Hey, I have PTSD too. Your story sounds similar to mine.
My stepson does have regular therapeutic visits or digital therapy sessions, he gets about 5 hours a week. But he's borderline psychotic since the beginning of this year, and while that is acknowledged by his doctors they find him 'too complex' to place him in a normal mental health facility. So he is on a waiting list for very specialist care, but it's been pushed forward for over 9 months now because of the corona crisis. This while he is visibly detoriating, and agressive to us. They basically leave us hanging to provide 24/7 care on top of our regular lives and the corona crisis. It's incredibly challenging.
I do practice self-care, I've been through worse than this because I grew up like you. But I hate seeing my husband at the end of his rope, and worry about him getting a burnout because I have health conditions that make us rely on his income only. So a solution now really has to come fast, his employer has given him a deadline of 1 january to fix the problem..
As for your spoiler: I am sorry to hear that, caregiver burnout is a real problem. I am also too young, only 33 but unfortunatly life sometimes deals a rough set of cards for some of us. I am really glad you have proper health, it's a great thing to move forward. I've had competent care for over 10 years, that's brought me in the stable and relatively good position I am in now. I hope you will have a good 2021.
Windigo, I am still loopy from my procedure today so forgive me if this makes no sense. LOL
I am so sorry you are going through all this. I know it's not easy even without a pandemic.
I really have a problem with some mental health professionals and how they treat people with problems. I have met a few who were quite abusive that compounded my PTSD. In fairness, I struggle with that whole field of study because my mother was a psychologist and she was my primary abuser. It takes a long time for me to feel "safe" with any new therapist and I don't trust any of them. The balance of power is too one-sided and too many of them misuse that.
I'm glad you are practicing self-care. It is so important and I completely understand hurting because your husband is hurting. I was always supportive of my husband no matter what he was dealing with at any given time. I am sure your love and support are very much appreciated.
I am a bit unclear on the his employer. Are you saying that his boss is telling him to resolve the problems with his stepson by the end of the year? Wow. I'm sorry if that's the case. It's not really surprising though. Companies are not as supportive and appreciative of their staff the way they were a generation or two ago. How is the job market in your area? Sounds like he should get some irons in the fire now just in case.
Thanks for your kind words. I am learning to take things day-by-day and relax more. Even now, I cannot fall asleep unless I take medications and I still have awful nightmares. However, I am getting stronger and am learning how to keep boundaries with people that mean me no good. Sadly, most of them are family members but I'm doing really well and not feeling guilty because I won't get pulled back into it. The last encounter almost killed me (literally). I'm not going back ever. This is a HUGE step for me as I have a forgiving heart and patience. But, enough is enough, I have two children that will someday come back to me and they deserve a strong, healthy mom.
I hope for you all the best and hope next year will bring us both good things. ;-0
P.S. Forgive me if I ever repeat myself. I got a concussion in one of the beatings a couple years ago so my memory is sometimes spotty. I don't forget whole conversations but I might miss something that's already been answered. I apologize in advance.