Memory Issues on a regualr Basis

Michlynn63, have you considered going to couples counseling so that he can clearly understand PTSD? If you can take him to a session with your therapist [if you are currently seeing on], then he will better understand what you are going through. If you do not have a therapist, this Site offers online counseling which you two can do from the comfort of your own home.

Hey, I deal with the same problems with my boyfriend. I am currently starting to go back to therapy for my PTSD. I have been having bad memory problems myself. I try to explain to my boyfriend (of 5 years) how I am feeling, and the things I am working on and he also doesn't understand at all. I think Puppydoglvr has good advice. Since my therapy just started back up, I think I might wait a couple weeks before having a couples session so I can work out the things I want to tell my significant other.

I really think it's hard for people to understand unless they have gone through something traumatic. I don't think others understand how hard it is to cope and change your behavior. You live your whole life a certain way, and then you have to unlearn the bad habits you've picked up coping. I hope everything works out with your boyfriend.

There is research that supports this. The hypothalamus is affected in PTSD and it actually blocks memory function. It is a survival function. I will try to find tharticle link for you. But the article did say that SSRI's can help with PTSD issues. As for your BF, it takes a special, patient and understanding individual to love someone with PTSD. If he can't step up, he doing you and you're disorder more harm.

I suffer greatly from memory issues. My therapist says it is because I take up so much of my brain function to stay stable that it has to compromise something. So it chooses memory. I its very frustrating. I also find that I disassociate a lot when I am stressed out and that I can be in the middle of a conversation and not know what is being said cause I "check out" for a minute. That gets reallllly frustrating. So be patient its not intentional.

Here is a good article. It basically explains how stress can possibly lead cognitive deficits, like memory. http://www.aaets.org/article6.htm

This is very useful information, thank you everyone. I also have brain lapses, and only recently become aware of the affects PTSD has on me as a whole. It is difficult and very frustrating when it onsets because, like so many said here, it feels as though I am checking out and sometime people can tell. It is also embarrassing, especially because it isn't intentional. Good luck to everyone!!!

There is a book that my counselor had me read, "Waking the Tiger." It talks about the long-term affects of trauma, and what happens to us as a result. You might also check out a book about EMDR - very helpful with PTSD recovery. It is important to have a counselor who is trained in this treatment, though, as it can get intense. Best of luck in your recovery, Mich. It does take a while, and having a good support system is important. It can be a little scary to those that don't understand it.

@ Finding Myself

Yes, I tried EMDR, with someone "trained" to do it. I have never been closer to suicide than I was during those two months working with her. So, if you go that route, I suggest that you proceed slowly and carefully. I recently found a very good, (the first!) therapist while reading an article about veterans and ptsd. She has a much better handle on not only the real-life implications, but also the brain adaptation which is labelled PTSD. My rule of thumb: If you feel worse and not better after a few sessions, ditch the therapist and find someone else. Bad therapy can make it worse.

Am going to order the book, btw. Sounds interesting.