Hello everyone. Like I said, I'm not really sure if I belong here, as I'm not an "official" caregiver or anything. Still, I would very much appreciate any advice.

Three months ago I started dating a girl who I've come to care about very much. Obviously, we're still in the beginning phase of our relationship. Recently, she confided in me that some time before we met, she had been raped, tortured, and left for dead by a previous boyfriend. She's in therapy for PTSD now, although she doesn't feel that it's doing her much good -- in fact, she thinks it's often counterproductive, in that it dredges up memories that she'd rather forget.

All of this is very difficult for me to deal with. Usually she's warm, vibrant, and funny, but then she'll suddenly turn withdrawn and depressed. She has trouble sleeping at night and certain common things trigger terrible flashbacks. I feel very deeply for her, but have no idea how to help, which drives me nuts. Sometimes I wonder if this relationship is healthy for either of us.

So I guess I just had to get some of this off my chest. Thanks for listening.

Tom