Do the effects of PTSD ever go away?

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   peeplesposted 11 years ago

   Do the effects of PTSD ever go away?
   
   The nightmares, depression, numbness, do these feelings ever completely go away?

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   JThomp42posted 11 years ago

   Peeples..... I am no expert by far on this subject. I can only speak for myself who has PTSD. It has been many, many years since the events occurred that caused me to have this dreaded disease. I can say that the symptoms never seem to go away. Especially if a traumatic situation occurs in your life to really set it back off. This has happened to me several times. Then the disease is in full force again. I am currently on medication to try and control my PTSD. I would not wish this on anyone. Especially the nightmares and waking up in cold sweats. Horrible!!
   
   Saying that.. I hope and pray that there will be a day when this disease will go away.

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      peeplesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you JT. Medications never worked. I tried them for years and they seemed to make me worse even after cycling through multiple medications. I'm sorry you go through it. I wouldn't wish my dreams on anyone.

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   fpherj48posted 11 years ago

   peeples.....I would love to bring positive news.  However, PTSD occurs as a result of traumatic "negative" events in one's life, whether isolated or over a lengthy period.
   While there are varying degrees of PTSD and each individual & circumstance are very unique.....the "effects" (PTSD) caused by this Trauma are lasting.  I avoided using the term "lifelong," for the sole purpose of conceding to those who believe "ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE."...a matter of opinion in any given subject.
   Thus far, in 100% of the in-depth studies done with victims of PTSD, there has been no admission of being totally and miraculously cured.
   The fact is, precisely as JT has described, even when many years have passed and considerable progress has been made by some patients, PTSD can and often does raise it's ugly head and wreak havoc in their life, during times of stress and/or mental pressures.  Actually, residual trauma, which remains within the psyche like cement....does not necessarily require current stressful incidents to "act up."   Many patients have reported onset of severe depression and anxiety that will take hold "out of the blue." 
   Perhaps the good news in terms of PTSD is the promise of on-going treatment and self-awareness & self-care, which help victims make great strides in controlling and/or minimizing the worst of this malady. Through therapy, often with medication for symptoms, educating one's self and maintaining strong overall good health, PTSD has less control, while the victim gains more. The understanding and patience of loved ones is also an enormous plus.
   By the very nature of PTSD, peeples......"completely going away," is highly unlikely. Courage, strength, determination and strong self-confidence are your best friends.  It's obvious that you have all of these.   Peace, Paula

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      peeplesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Paula. It is exhausting some days after a bad night. It takes days to clear thoughts caused by the dreams. Thankfully most days are fine. It seems to be uncontrollable as in times and triggers. Thanks again!

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   Daveadamposted 11 years ago

   Hopefully peeples i have some good news for you, & without giving you my life story I'll just give a brief description of what helped me..I was in a very bad way emotionally & mentally around a year ago, & i stumbled onto a guy on the internet called Eckhart Tolle..I followed his advice regarding emotions & feelings control practice, & also mindfulness distraction practice which helps remove negative thinking once & for all..It did take me a lot of practice & at least 6/7 months time, but i did start to feel the benefits after only a few weeks of practice..Then the practice starts to get really interesting, as it helps you to understand how your mind works..As you start to understand how your mind works you will start to understand how other peoples minds work, & by that point your'll be hooked like i was..This training does work, but it's essential to realise something before you start..No one can explain to you how your going to change your thinking around, & how to remove your negative thoughts not even Eckhart could tell you that..But through the training & over the months it will help "you" find the way to do it yourself, & then it will be a permanent realisation that you won't forget..Try it but see it like learning how to ride a bike so you train when ever you can without going over the top with it, & then you start to get better & better at it until your there..Honestly i know what it feels like to be depressed for many years, & so i wouldn't waste your time or energy..The great thing about the training is it means you do what ever you already do you just do it slightly different & it's a combination of a lot of simple things & time, but months not years. :-)

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      Daveadamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEc5-hVZ1CA

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      peeplesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I'm not sure something like that can help my dreams. I don't think about this stuff prior to going to bed or even necessarily in the same day. I will at least finish the video (which I started just to make sure it wasn't spam) and keep an open mind.

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      Daveadamposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You did mention it can take days to clear the thoughts, this with a lot of practice over a few months will clear the thoughts for you..It's hard to understand unless you practice, but with practice you can remove any negative thoughts instantly.

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   Crissyliteposted 11 years ago

   Hi peeples. I hope this gives you a bit of encouragement. (I am one of those people who believes that all things are possible with God).
   
   I've worked with young people experiencing PTSD symptoms. I will say that I have seen cases in which tremendous progress was made. So it is possible. It may take time and good therapy.
   
   http://psychcentral.com/lib/treatment-of-ptsd/000665

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