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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by invioletlight on November 21, 2008, at 0:38:39
Hi Babblers,
My girlfriend is currently suffering a terrible bout of depression. She is a sexual and physical abuse survivor--the abuse lasted many, many years and was perpetrated by multiple people--and also has PTSD rather severely. She will often "disappear" from reality and have vivid flashbacks, in which she cannot hear or see me.
It's getting really bad and I'm working, with limited funds, on trying to get her some mental health care. We're trying to go through the county, as she has no health insurance and is currently unable to work because of her depression.
Does anyone out there have any advice for the partner of someone going through this? I've struggled with panic attacks and anxiety my whole life so I somewhat understand, but would like to hear from those who have experienced this most directly. How can I be of the most help?
Thanks,
IV
Posted by paxvox59 on November 21, 2008, at 14:43:08
In reply to PTSD/Depression/Abuse Survior, posted by invioletlight on November 21, 2008, at 0:38:39
OH my! This is a very hard area to "be of help" in! I lived with my (now ex) wife for 16 years as she struggled through PTSD related to sexual abuse. Unfortunately, it didn't go well, and she transferred her hatred of men onto me. The only lessons I learned dealt with realizing what sort of things or activities triggered her memories and tried to avoid them. Again,unfortunately, that finally came down to ANY sort of sexual activity between us! I wish you luck and hope that your relationship doesn't fall apart as a result of the stress.
PAX
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