One thing I have learned is that my definition of family understanding PTSD and theirs are completely different. I had higher expectations. I felt that had to know exactly what it was and be able to talk about it in detail. I felt they were supposed to be always willing to be my shoulder to cry on and to react to me the way I thought they should.

I have learned how unreasonable this really is. My family does not have a clue what PTSD means shy of I get stressed easily and react funny. They have no idea of what the healing process consists of. They often are not my shoulder to cry on and rarely ever react they way I think they should.

I have learned that my absolutes only alienate them and me. That absolutes do not work in the real world. (Absolutes I consider to be terms like unconditional love, understanding etc.) I have learned that every one reacts and varies on how they deal with things.

I have learned that they accept that I get stressed easily and I react funny. I have learned that they accept that I am trying to get better and they support me in this journey, despite not understanding it in detail. I have learned they love me in their way and that they show it the best they can.

I have learned to relax my control issues by not demanding unreasonable expectations of them. I have learned to accept the love, support and understanding they do give me and to be grateful for it.

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