It’s hard enough to maintain a healthy relationship with someone who doesn’t have PTSD. But when your partner, friend, or family member does suffer from this disorder, it can be even harder. Here’s what you need to know about why someone with PTSD might push you away.
PTSD and Relationships Don’t Mix
If you’re in a relationship with someone who has PTSD, you might find that they’re always on edge, quick to anger, and always ready to fight. That’s because people with PTSD are dealing with a lot of inner turmoil. They may feel like they’re constantly in danger, even when they’re not. As a result, they tend to be on guard all the time and can be quick to lash out when they feel threatened. It’s not that they want to hurt you; it’s just that their fight-or-flight response is always activated. And unfortunately, that often leads to them pushing the people they love away.
Why Do People With PTSD Push Others Away?
There are a few different reasons why people with PTSD might push others away. One reason is that they may feel like they’re a burden on the people they love. They may feel like they can never truly be themselves around others or that they’re always bringing their problems into the relationship. As a result, they may start to distance themselves so as not to burden their loved ones.
Another reason why someone with PTSD might push others away is because they don’t want to get hurt again. If they’ve been through a traumatic experience, they may start to believe that it’s better to protect themselves emotionally by not getting too close to anyone. This way, they won’t have to worry about getting hurt if things don’t work out.
Finally, some people with PTSD may simply be afraid of intimacy. They may feel like they can’t let anyone in for fear of being rejected or abandoned. This can make it difficult for them to sustain long-term relationships.
What You Can Do To Help
If you’re in a relationship with someone who has PTSD and you’re struggling to understand why they’re pushing you away, remember that it’s not personal. It’s important to be patient and understand that their behavior is rooted in their disorder and not anything you’ve done wrong.
Here are a few things you can do to help your loved one:
* Encourage them to get professional help: This is probably the most important thing you can do for someone with PTSD. If left untreated, their symptoms will only get worse over time. Professional help, whether that’s medication, therapy, or even going through something like https://ibogawellness.com/programs/psycho-spiritual-program/, will allow them to work through their trauma and learn how to cope with their symptoms in a healthy way.
* Be patient: It takes time for people with PTSD to heal and learn how to cope with their symptoms. So don’t expect overnight results—be patient and understanding while your loved one goes through this process.
* Make sure your needs are met: It’s important that you take care of yourself too.
Having a loved one with PTSD can be difficult and draining, so make sure you have a strong support system in place for yourself as well. If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, don’t hesitate to reach out for help—the sooner the better! Recovery is possible but it takes time, patience, and professional help.
I can understand how difficult it is to be in a relationship with someone who has PTSD. At least this serious problem is now being recognized and treated more than in the past.