r/Anarchism • u/AutoModerator • 4d ago

Radical Women Wednesday

Weekly Discussion Thread for Radical Women

Radical women can talk about whatever they want in here. Suggestions; chill & relax, radical trans women, anarchafeminism, news and current events, books, entertainment

Men are asked not to post in Radical Women Wednesday threads.

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u/FrontRow4TheShitShow mad sickly neurospicy anarqueer 4d ago edited 4d ago

I'm a partially disabled TBI survivor with PTSD, bipolar, and a parasomnia disorder (and deeply debilitating PCOS and endometriosis) and am trying to figure out how to proceed in a tricky situation/relationship with my partner of many years, who I'm gradually realizing that despite their efforts doesn't fully grasp the breadth of my (primarily cognitive but also sleep-related) impairments. As in, reckoning with the heart-breaking fact that they may be unable to fulfill the dual role of life partner and care partner (caregiver) long-term. This is not an easy ask of any partner, hence probably partially why there is such a high rate of divorce after TBI. I know they are not interested in being a caregiver, and I empathize with that because holy hell it's a lot, and also I need a caregiver and I'm realizing as a cognitively disabled person whose progressive impairments manifest in most areas of my life and will continue to worsen over time, that it's not realistic to hope for a clean separation between the two roles. Hence perhaps not a realistic hope for continued relationship with my beloved long-term.

I feel more sad, isolated, disempowered, and ashamed than ever.

Edit to add- and I'm grieving the ambiguous losses of the decline of both my own self and the partnership I treasure with the person I love with all my heart.