If you are struggling with PTSD, it can be a life-altering experience. You may be wondering whether it’s something that just goes away on its own and you can choose to let it pass. You may have several questions about this condition and you’re trying to find answers.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness that results when someone encounters or witnesses something traumatic. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, social isolation, and severe anxiety. So does this condition ever go away?
Many people who suffer from PTSD don’t think that it will ever go away…that they have to live with the symptoms forever but this is not necessarily the case. A big misconception about PTSD is that the disorder will not be manageable with time. However, this is not true; in fact, many people can overcome their symptoms of PTSD if given the right resources.
How Long Does PTSD Last For?
In general, the length of the illness can vary from person to person depending on many factors. Typically, symptoms must have persisted for longer than a month and been severe enough to affect your daily activities in order to be diagnosed with PTSD.
Some people recover within 6 months of experiencing their traumatic experience, while others may take much longer before they start feeling better. The more severe the trauma you have experienced, the longer your symptoms are likely to last.
Even with treatment, the course of the condition also varies. Some individuals will respond positively while some people can experience significant difficulty recovering.
Is PTSD Permanent?
While PTSD is very common among veterans and people with traumatic experiences, it isn’t always permanent. If you have it, there is no need to live with it forever. There is a good chance that it will get better with treatment and time. There are treatment options for PTSD and most people see improvement in their symptoms with treatment.
Healing does not happen overnight but it can gradually ease the symptoms. Usually, this happens through psychotherapy sessions with a doctor or therapist that specializes in treating PTSD. There are also medications that can help lessen the symptoms associated with PTSD and mood disorders that come along with the condition.
Can PTSD Return Years Later?
Yes, they can. PTSD symptoms can return or worsen due to unexpected triggers, which may include sounds, smells, tastes or conversations about traumatic events. These triggers often activate memories of the event so vividly that it leaves you thinking you are back at the time of trauma.
There are cases where some people do not seek treatment thinking that they have overcome their trauma, only to discover after some time that they were not over it at all.
It is important to know that the symptoms of PTSD can appear suddenly and unexpectedly, even years after you experienced trauma or believe yourself to be over the experience. This is why it is critical to work with a doctor who treats PTSD for best results.
Can PTSD Resolve Itself?
The answer to this question varies from person to person. Some people find that their symptoms gradually subside over time, while others report that they’re still impacted by PTSD years after the event. For some people, it is a combination of both; symptoms can improve with time and may worsen in certain situations.
The good news is that PTSD can be managed. If you’re not sure whether or not your symptoms are part of PTSD, it’s important to seek professional help for an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plan.
If you have been struggling with the symptoms of PTSD for an extended period of time and they are no longer subsiding, reach out for help from a doctor who specializes in this area.
What Happens If PTSD Is Left Untreated?
Untreated PTSD can escalate and become a serious problem. Someone who is struggling with PTSD may find it difficult to function in daily life or maintain healthy relationships.
In some cases, they may also develop other mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety. They may drink or use drugs to numb the symptoms, which could lead to a co-occurring disorder.
Developing a co-occurring disorder with PTSD and substance abuse makes the situation more complex. It is critical to address both conditions in a facility that specializes in dual diagnosis/co-occurring disorders to ensure better treatment results.
The earlier you seek treatment, the better your condition can be managed and treated. With the right care plan in place to address all symptoms, you are more likely to see significant improvement to improve your quality of life at home with friends and family.
If you are struggling with PTSD and substance, help is available.
Contact Morningside Recovery today.