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Re: Tips needed to help a spouse understand N
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I know what you guys mean. My husband tries, and I give him credit, but he still seems to be stuck in the mindset that all of a sudden my meds will make me snap out of it and he won't have deal with his part of my problem any more. I know it's hard on him as it is on me, and he is so helpful and supportive. It's just really hard to get him to understand sometimes. I tried to give him information, but he won't read it saying he "already gets it" even though he really doesn't... he doesn't know why I do it, he doesn't know that emotions will trigger it, and he doesn't get that even my many more hours of sleep doesn't make me as rested as his five or six because of both the N and the apnea. Speaking of avoidance, I'm thinking he does it too... just for different stuff. lol My parents are the worst when it comes to understanding my condition, my mother has literally told me that I'm just looking for a label to justify my behavior. She's not a mean person, in fact, she used to be a nurse. But she comes from an era where neurological and mental disorders were not accepted illnesses- they are not reasons to be unable to be productive. I think she passed a bit of that on, because I still can't move past what I am not able to do while I try so hard to be thankful for what I can. It's a long process, I suppose, but I wish I could let go of the anger I have with myself. I think it's silly, but it's nice to hear often enough that it's not my fault I can't help it and I'm doing a good job with what I have. My husband does that, and I love him for being supportive in spite of the fact that he's struggling to get it!