Hello everyone.I stumbled upon this forum today while doing some reaserch on the web regarding PTSD and what resources are available to partners and spouses of PTSD sufferersI am glad to have found this forum as my partner and I are in a bit of a rough patch these days .I know that I could definitely benefit from sharing stories and comparing notes with other carers. A little about us..My partner and I are 25 and have been in a serious monagamous relationship for a 1.5 year. We live together and have what on the outside appears to be a "normal" happy relationship.Our relationship has been tested over the past year by family illness and hefty financial difficulties but we made it through everything without losing each other. In the past 4 months my partner seems to have been having an increasingly difficult time with her mental health. While having no official PTSD diagnosis she seems to have many of the signs/sx of the disorder. In the beginning of our relationship, she admitted a previous history of a few " bad relationships". I didn't know until 4 months ago that she is a survivor of rape/sexual trauma and violence. She disclosed little bits of information about it over time and eventually was able to tell me most of the story. She was hesitant to pursue therapy but finally started 1 month ago. I also have a therapist that I see when we can afford it.Mental health is pretty friggen expensive ! so she is priority when trying to budget for appointments.My partner seems to be improving slowly. some days are better than others. For the first time in months she was able to get motivated to do laundry and grocery shopping. This is a great thing and I am really happy and proud that she overcame her depression/anxiety to do those things.I am working hard to be patient and supportive. Intimacy struggles are my big source of frustration. Our intimacy is almost non existent. Not just the sexual part of it. Every week there seems to be less and less that we can do to be close. We are on a small kisses and cuddling basis only right now with any kind of sex out of the question. Its been over 3 months since we have had that kind of relationship. I have made the decision to stay and be faithful. I want to be supportive in every way possible but its really tough. So any hints or tips or resources out there that you all know of would be helpful.. especially queer/ lesbian oriented help. thanks for reading all of this. I didn't intend to write this much as a introduction but it worked out that way. Thanks everyone EMTgirl

Welcome to the forum emtgirl.

You will find plenty of useful advice here so please read as much as you can.

I am a little busy at present but look forward to chatting to you in the future.

Welcome to the forum! You have come to the right place to get lots of good information on PTSD and meet lots of people who have it or care for someone with PTSD. I am happy that you love your partner enough to come here and seek help. Maybe she can join too.