Maenad,

I'm adding my name to the list of those that have a poor sense of time. I tend to lose track of what day it is very quickly. I have calendars all around me (at work and home) so I can keep checking to see what day it is. And it's not uncommon for me to ask 'What day is it' repeatedly from my husband. It's like this information just doesn't 'stick'. I also lose track of time. Which is also why I have clocks all around me, too.

I've found that writing notes about damned near everything is the only way that I can remember what I need to remember. This proves especially challenging in my job which is very detail oriented. But also at home for remembering which bills to pay and when to pay them. I also write detailed menus and grocery lists or else I'm lost in the grocery store.

Having been like this most of my life (I've had PTSD since I was ten...much worse since the symptoms hit full force) it's become second nature for me to be this way. But I do know that when my symptoms are high it is much more difficult for me to actually pay attention to any part of my life. Like bills. Depression and anxiety make doing the necessities of life just 'one more thing' to do. And sometimes 'one more thing' is one thing just too many.

My suggestion would be to talk to your partner in a non-judgemental, non-aggresive way. The best time would be when he's having a good day/good time period. Explain that you understand that it's difficult to keep up with everything all the time, but that there are things that have to be done...like paying bills. Maybe offer to share the task or take it over for a while. For myself I know that when I'm having a bad day, the last thing I want to do is leave the house to go grocery shopping. But it is necessary for the family. So I ask my husband and youngest daughter to go for me when I'm not up to it. But offering to take over something (for a while or permanently) might be a big relief and help towards other things getting done in a more timely manner.

Lisa