feeling very.. Something?

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16bitsofawesome
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01 Dec 2011, 10:29 am

I suffer from PTSD from sexual abuse as a child (11-12 years old). Last night, my partner (lets go with D) got a call from his sister (who lives across the US from us), stating that 2 of her children were being molested by her husband. Hes been removed from the home and the children are safe now. My issue is this; I find myself relating to the children (obviously), and it's bringing back feelings I felt then, that I still am unable to identify as an adult. It drives me towards shutdown whenever I think about it. All I want to do is run and hide and not speak at all. The problem is D needs me now more than ever, but whenever its brought up, I feel a very intense urge to just change the subject or even walk away. I don't know how to support him through this, and even thinking about the situation scares me. Any suggestions on what I could say or do to help him? He wants so badly to protect those children, and to lash out at their dad. I want to help him but when I think about it I just sob and have issues speaking. What can I do? Thanks for reading, even just getting it out helps.



PTSmorrow
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01 Dec 2011, 11:56 am

If you can't speak, just write it down.



16bitsofawesome
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01 Dec 2011, 1:44 pm

thanks for the reply :) my main issue is I'm a very visual thinker, and it takes me actual effort to bring words to the forefront of my thoughts (as though I have a "picture" vocabulary, and I have to translate it). I can't even begin to think of what I would want to say to him, because I can't relate to his position in this situation. To make it worse, when my emotions start going in that direction, and I'm nearing shutdown, I almost can't think in words. My entire head just swims in sound and color. I was wondering if anyone has any good words of encouragement/comfort that I could give him because I don't know what to do or say. Maybe if I practice I can be good at this. Lol sorry I'm not the best at explaining myself. Thanks again, I'm going to try that too, and maybe drawing something for him.



PTSmorrow
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01 Dec 2011, 2:54 pm

I see your point. I'm a visual thinker too (with speech problems) and need to assign words to pictures.

You could start up with the words "I'm with you."

But if you google "words of love and affection" it shows you plenty of sites where you can find suggestions. Give it a try.

Good luck, i keep my fingers crossed for you!