Side effects from girlfriends trauma?

78% Normal
3 Comments

First off I'm a female.

My girlfriend doesn't know any of this I don't want to stress her. My girlfriend was sexually assaulted in the military,she's in the process of getting out. I've been helping her and I've always heard a lot about her trauma second hand and it effects me. If I'm even on my phone and I see anything on social media that reminds me of it I get really upset. Recently the smallest thing seems to bring me to tears. I can't get the image of what could've happened out of my head it even keeps me up a lot at night. I worry so much. Any type of loud or abrupt noise such as a phone call or a knock at the door leaves my heart racing and shaky. When I see men in uniform I get so angry and enraged and sometimes upset.. and tearful.

Voting Results
78% Normal
Based on 18 votes (14 yes)
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Comments ( 3 )
  • charli.m
    7 years ago

    Totally normal to be affected by something someone you loved has gone through, particularly when you're being their support person.

    You need to take care of yourself, too. Counselling would be useful, and if not an option, then at least talk to someone about how you're processing things.

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  • Ellenna
    7 years ago

    charli is quite right and I would add that you have some of the classic symptoms of PTSD and you need to get some counselling for yourself so that you can support your girlfriend without you own reactive feelings taking centre stage.

    I'm assume she's already having counselling herself?

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  • xfg38
    7 years ago

    Not normal to have PTSD over someone else's experience.

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