I have been trying for 11 years to explain this to mother. Unless someone HAS PTSD there are no words to begin to explain this. Instead, I have watched my mother educated herself as much as she can ABOUT this thing.

She does not understand who I feel or what is going on with me BUT she knows the signs of my being overly stressed and she is also aware of and concerned that she not cause me any stress.

IMHO this is all we can expect and treasure from our loved ones. The rest of the world can take a flying leap because they really do have no clue. True friends will accept
you as you are and try to be supportive--not pushy!

Need people who understand this thing called PTSD Well, ya found them Welcome!

Explain how this affects you. Example---when your symptoms flare up you do x, y,
or z. Let them know what to expect when you get overloaded and tell them what they can do to help. This has worked extremely well for mother and I.

Hope this helps