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S_25Casual Contributor
Hi. I’ve recently started dating someone with ptsd, who is experiencing daily flashbacks. They have really pulled away in the last few days and I’m really concerned. I want to support them without smothering them and pushing them away further, but I’m unsure of how to. Advice?
In response to: Supporting someone with ptsd
MissGremlinSenior Contributor
Hello @S_25 and welcome to the forums. Flashbacks can be hard to deal with both for the person having them and those supporting them. Have you been able to chat to your partner to see if they know what's helpful in those moments?
Some people find it helpful to have someone there with them to keep them grounded and present. Reassuring them that they are safe and being calm and relaxed while they are experiencing flashbacks, also encouraging slow breathing, trying to get them to focus on the 5 senses.
This is just a few ideas of what may help but it's always dependent on the individual and what works for them.
Happy to chat more if you like. You are not alone in this and we are here to support you while you support your partner 😊.
In response to: Re: Supporting someone with ptsd
S_25Casual Contributor
In response to: Re: Supporting someone with ptsd
MissGremlinSenior Contributor
@S_25 if they aren't ready to talk don't take it personally, it can be very hard to open up about these things. I have flashbacks myself and I'm still learning how to manage them so not even I'm sure of what I need in those moments, It's very much trial and error.
Just remember to take care of yourself aswell 😊
In response to: Re: Supporting someone with ptsd
BowSenior Contributor
I would 100% ask them what they need in those moments @S_25 if I was them and my partner did this for me it would mean so much. Everyone is different and respond differently. And if they don’t know what they need or how they would like you to respond perhaps you could offer to help figure it out together? Do some research together?
but helping them feel grounded and present is important and also helping them feel safe. Flashbacks can be really scary, like the trauma is happening all over again.
good on you for wanting to help!
In response to: Supporting someone with ptsd
SnowieSenior Contributor
Hi @S_25
I have ptsd and go through stages where I have daily flashbacks. Personally, when I have flashback I struggle to engage with other people. I find I withdraw from people closet to me. Not because I don't think they would help, rather me not wanting to burden them with my problems.
I think one of the best things they have done for me is to just let me know that they are there if I need them. That they are there if I need to talk to someone or just sit with them.
I can totally understand not knowing what to do. It is a really hard position to be in, especially since people respond to having flashbacks in different ways.
I hope this helps a little.
In response to: Re: Supporting someone with ptsd
S_25Casual Contributor
In response to: Re: Supporting someone with ptsd
S_25Casual Contributor
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
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