I had no Idea,
That is why my eyes are so open, because I had no idea either, welcome to PC. I am so very sorry that you were so misunderstood. Unfortunately I think that is what PTSD should really be called. And no matter how many efforts I make to explain it and how difficult it is to comprehend even for myself, the only ones that can identify are those that have it too.

You have a very big challenge. Not only about going back to work, but also being around someone who abused you while you are still working on the PTSD.
By the way, how is the EMDR treatment working? My therapist wants to do that with me and he did say that he has used it with a lot of patients and they have all said it really helped them. But, it does take time and can be exhausting so the immediate benifits are not always presented.

I have to admit that I would be leary too about being around a constant trigger person along with trying to get back to work and struggling with PTSD. I hope you don't have to be around this person in a contact way every day, that would be asking a bit much.

I wish I could ease your final statement, I ask that every day because my husband has a lot of triggers for me. My husband is aware that I have PTSD and he has made some efforts to be supportive, however he can have bad days where he hits so many triggers in me I am literally exhausted for days. And I have to be honest I often just want to run, but I cant, like you I have responsibilities where I have little choice but to try to press forward, and it isn't easy.

Do you have anything you take for anxiety issues? Something you could have with you if you have a bad day? Your going to have to be really strong and focus on the fact that what you are doing is for you and your not going to let that other person interfere with that no matter what. You may find that it can be something that you end up building strength against. Maybe you could let your mind wander around those memories in your EMDR session so that you build strength that way.

At least you have found a good place to come and get support. No one is going to call you weak or a cry baby here, people who have PTSD are very supportive here and are more than willing to listen and even be a shoulder to cry on or offer some good ways to think your way through it.

At this point, my advice would be to tackle this challenge one day at a time. Every day you have to mindfully tell yourself that you will become a stronger person and work your way through this. Try not to think too far ahead and also try to keep yourself from falling back into troubled feelings or memories.

And remember you have people here that will listen and actually be understanding and supportive.

Open Eyes