CPTSD

Anybody else out there have a spouse who is suffering from Complex PTSD? As designated caregiver I am sometimes the object of the "critic's" rage. I would love to talk to someone who can relate to this. I need some healthier coping strategies!

Hello Going Gray: I see this is your first post here on PC. Welcome to Psych Central. The Relationships & Communication forum, here on PC, may also be of interest to you. Here's a link:

https://psychcentralforums.com/relat...communication/

I'm sorry I don't think I can probably be of help with regard to your concern. Although I've never been diagnosed as having cPTSD, I suspect I probably could be. So, in my marriage, my wife would be the "designated caregiver", so to speak. Perhaps there will be other PC members who will have some suggestions they can share.

Here are links to 2 articles, from Psych Central's archives, on the subject of cPTSD:

The Unique Features of Complex PTSD

C-PTSD and Interpersonal Relationships

I hope you find PC to be of benefit.

@Going Gray welcome to Psych Central. I am sorry you are in the middle of a firestorm of criticism. No one should have to deal with that.

I try to follow the breath and not react. That is my saving grace. If they are out of control I take myself out of the situation the best I can.

Hope you find a way to self care. That is the most important. Could be a yoga class online (Adrienne on youtube) or some exercises (5 minute Tai Chi on youtube) The most important thing is for you to take care of yourself.

@Skeezyks thanks for those great articles!

Thank you! He had a good on-line session with his therapist, about enmeshment. Something about it clicked with him, and he has backed off and given me the room to work on self care. Score one for serendipity, I guess!

Thank you! Want to hear something funny? An internet search on CPTSD brought up those articles, which is how I found the forum! I'm so happy that somebody actually took the time to write back! It's good to know that I have a place to vent without judgement. Things are definitely going better since his last online therapy session (it focused on enmeshment). He has started going for hikes by himself, and giving me room to breath. Hiking used to be his greatest love, and he hasn't done it for years. I'm starting to find my old self again with the free time. We clearly will be better for each other once we start taking care of ourselves!