Friends, Family & Carers Forum

[Susana]

Sorry, EMDR I was referring to......

[Shaz51]

I'm sorry for your loss @Susana 

Hello @Soozasaur, @Adge, @DeanYates, @NikNik

[Hillsy]

My husband has to use earplugs as well @DeanYates. Doesn't leave the house without them. Or his noise cancelling headphones with loud music to drown everything else out. Still struggles though.

[DeanYates]

I'm very sorry to hear this @Former-Member

I have found enormous strength from reading and doing research into PTSD, in particular, reading about others' experiences. I have found mindfulness and yoga to be very good. And I have kept a journal these past couple of years. I would highly recommend it.

[DeanYates]

That's really unfortunate @Hillsy that your husband's family is not supportive. Have you tried to talk to them about it?

[Susana]

Thank you @DeanYates for sharing such a personal experience through Mary's eyes as your wife and supporter. She must be a great source of stregth for you in yoir journey through PTSD! It's always easier to go through struggles when we have an understanding and loving partner!

[Hillsy]

Have tried to talk to them many times, til I'm blue in the face. Now I just don't have the energy to care about them. First half his family was toxic, but has come better over the last 6 months. And the other half has become toxic. It is too draining to keep trying to make them understand

[Hillsy]

Goodness @DeanYates your wife's letter resonated so much with trying to minimise stresses within daily life. It sounds like you both have found a way to make things work well though

[DeanYates]

Hi @Former-Member
Has your nephew been diagnosed? It sounds like his situation is very challenging.

With your BiL, he has to get off alcohol. I know that's easy to say and much harder to do. But until he does, it's very hard to deal with the underlying symptoms. In Ward 17 for example, the psychs usually don't start therapy until a patient has dried out. Maybe you could show him some literature about how damaging the self-medication is for him. I'm sure SANE would have material (@NikNik)

[Soozasaur]

Wow @DeanYates, thank you to you and your wife for sharing her letter. There are certainly parts that I can directly relate to. Specifically acting as a buffer, trying to minimise stress or prevent triggers.