When it comes to mental health, a lot of people wonder about recovery, especially those dealing with complex trauma. One question I get asked often, particularly when it comes to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is “Will I ever recover?”, as clients often want to know if their diagnosis will ever fade away. It’s Kim on the blog this week and today I’d like to delve into the topic of PTSD recovery.
First, it’s crucial to understand what PTSD really means. It’s not a guaranteed outcome of experiencing trauma; many individuals go through distressing events without developing PTSD. Specific criteria are needed to diagnose PTSD; to learn more about the signs, read our past blog article.
Will the Symptoms Ever Disappear?
To draw an analogy from my personal experience: years ago, I suffered a cycling accident, leaving scars on my chin and knee.
The scar on my chin serves as a reminder of the trauma, but it no longer dominates my life. Similarly, PTSD symptoms may diminish over time, becoming less bothersome. However, certain triggers may still stir up unwanted feelings from time to time.
Consider the analogy of bodily injuries: my knee which I injured several times throughout my life bothers me more often than the scar on my chin, just as recurring psychological trauma can make those PTSD symptoms hang around.
Factors that Play into the Severity of PTSD Symptoms
- How soon did you get help?
- How chronic was the injury?
- Were you resourced before the trauma?
Another question to think about is do you even want some of the symptoms to go away? For example, some of the veterans that I work with rely on the hypervigilance that is a symptom of their PTSD; it makes them feel safe. They don’t want that symptom to go away completely.
The Goals of PTSD Recovery
In my opinion, it is unlikely that all of the symptoms of PTSD will disappear. Recovery from PTSD isn’t about finding a quick fix or making the symptoms vanish overnight. Instead, it’s about reducing the negative impact they have on your well-being and taking small steps every day to reclaim a fulfilling life.
In therapy, we work together to shrink the scary “ball” of trauma, so it doesn’t constantly press the “button” of distress. Don’t forget, recovery is a process, not an endpoint.
Other Questions? Please Reach Out!
If you’re grappling with PTSD or supporting someone who is (learn more about supporting a loved one with PTSD here), remember, you’re not alone. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, give us a call at (780) 446-0300 or email us at info@dochaspsych.com. We’re happy to help you.
About Dóchas Psychological
Dóchas Psychological Services is a well-established and trusted therapy clinic located in Spruce Grove, Alberta. At Dóchas, we value the idea that everyone deserves a safe space. Through connection and education, our team works hard to build a trustworthy relationship with each of our clients. It is our goal to create a community for our clients to feel like they belong.
Disclaimer
Information provided through Dóchas Psychological Services blogs or vlogs is meant for educational purposes only. They are NOT medical or mental health advice. You can read more about our disclaimer here.
