Posted by invioletlight on December 8, 2008, at 17:37:49
Hi all,
Me again. Just wanted to post again about my girlfriend, who is currently receiving treatment for PTSD and intense flashbacks. We've just gotten her in to see a psychiatrist at a free clinic (not sure who funds it but they're able to see her for a very, very low one-time cost) and they're in the process of prescribing her meds.
A little back story: My girlfriend is a survivor of about the worst possible amount of childhood sexual and other physical abuse one can imagine. She was beaten, tortured, etc. It's truly harrowing and I don't dare repeat some of the things she has told me because they are truly too awful to put on paper.
She often has flashbacks where she won't see or hear me. She'll literally go right into her head and 'see' the past happen all over again. Sometimes she will shake or whimper or both.
It'll be a long time until the meds work, so again, I'm seeking any and all advice again. What can I do to best ease her pain? She currently cannot work, cannot leave the house, clings to me, is terrified and can barely sleep. I'm trying my best to do right by her, to comfort her and make it as safe as possible or her.
Sometimes she'll go back in age, almost, curl up and hide her head and whimper. She'll sound younger and bury her head in my arms. I worry intensely about her and want to help as best I can. So, yet again, at this new stage, I'm turning once more to you Babblers. Any sage words?
Thanks,
IV
poster:invioletlight
thread:867570
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20081205/msgs/867570.html