GF of 2 YRS may have PTSD from Ex

Hello-
I am in a relationship with a nurse, and someone with the biggest heart I have ever seen. She is sweet to everyone, and it shows. Although, she does have issues stemming from her past. This past September (2017), it was the anniversary of her court date with her abusive ex bf. This, caused her to have migraines, and ultimately not go to work, she has been on and of at work ever since. Seem crazy? Well it is, but her employer has been working with her. With her home so much, our relationship has been pushed a bit, especially with her not feeling well. On top of that, I found out within the last several months that her family doesn't like me as I am not outgoing enough for her. But, she loves me, and there are no buts. She has always been straightforward and genuine with me.
She recently told her employer that she wants to go back to work, rather than continue to do the desk job, but would like to ease into it. She also told me, that she would like a break from us, so she can focus on her, and work.

We have not been physical lately, as she has not felt good, and she also has HSV2, an std, which makes things difficult. I have been very supportive of her and have spent hundreds of dollars trying to find something that might help her get feeling better, in fact, about a year ago, we got a cat together, to compliment the cat she already has, she probably has over 400 pictures of her cat on her phone, she adores him! The two cats get along great, but they don't show the affection she is looking for. She has always wanted a dog, and I heard they are good with PTSD.

So my question, is this, we both still love each other, she says she is at the worst depression she has been since after her ex when she moved back into her parents. We are both 30 yrs old. What can I do to save this relationship? I moved 2.5 hours to be with her, and my dad lives 1.5 away, but I just accepted a new job in her town. We have been living together since August 2017.

I feel like a dog could help a lot, and I love dogs, and know the responsibility that comes with them.

Any assistance I can get would be great. I want this to work.

Hey solidsnake007,

That's a kind thought, a dog, but I hope you also know that while it may provide some distraction, it won't resolve the root issue/s behind her PTSD and depression.

Is she being treated by a professional (e.g., therapist, psychiatrist)?

Last July she saw a therapist/psychologist, and they basically helped her compose an email to me, a breakup email. In which they said its hard for her to break up with someone because she doesnt want to hurt the other person.

After an intense talk, we realized mutually, that we wanted to stay together and the main reason for the breakup request, was that her family wanted her to be with someone more outgoing, in fact in Feb 2018 at a wedding, her aunt wanted to confront me, and ask that we breakup. Luckily I didnt go to that function, as her and I agreed it would be better I didnt, and she wanted to keep things with her family neutral.

Her and I get along great, we have 2 cats that get along great as well, and hence our little family. The issue started when she began missing work, and she is just now wanting to get back into it.

She has not seen a therapist /psychologist since last July, however, she is open to relationship counseling.

They should be more concerned with that you two are happy together, but perhaps they are just generally controlling types, and part of what she is struggling with in quiet.

Sorry, I have no advice to offer re: her PTSD other than personal counseling, just for her, may help to some degree. That just takes time to come to terms with and heal.