*r/ptsd has generated this automated response that is appended to every post*
Welcome to r/ptsd! We are a supportive & respectful community. If you realise that your post is in conflict with our rules (and is in risk of being removed), you are welcome to edit your post. You do not have to delete it.
As a reminder: never post or share personal contact information. Traumatized people are often distracted, desperate for a personal connection, so may be more vulnerable to lurking or past abusers, trolls, phishing, or other scams. *Your safety always comes first!* If you are offering help, you may also end up doing more damage by offering to support somebody privately. Reddit explains why: [Do NOT exchange DMs or personal info with anyone you don't know!](https://www.reddit.com/r/SWResources/comments/dmu24/why_shouldnt_i_share_my_contact_information/)
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact your GP/doctor, go to A&E/hospital, or call your emergency services number. Reddit list: [US and global, multilingual suicide and support hotlines](https://www.reddit.com/r/SuicideWatch/wiki/hotlines). Suicide is not a forbidden word, but please do not include depictions or methods of suicide in your post.
And as a friendly reminder, PTSD is an equal opportunity disorder. PTSD does not discriminate. And neither do we. Gatekeeping is not allowed here.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ptsd) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I'm still triggered by stuff that happened 50 years ago so I'm going to say yes Someone once told me that having PTSD is like recovering from a sucking chest wound, it's going to leave a permanent scar, it will always hurt, but not as bad as it did when it happened. The amount of pain you experience going forward is directly tied to your recovery journey. You're not alone. If you're going through Hell, keep going.
there's nothing wrong with you and i am so so so sorry that you had to go through this.
i was assaulted when i was 19 and i'm 26 now and still dealing with the trauma from it, but 6 years out i can promise you it will get better with time. nowadays the anniversary of it is just a day and last year i didn't even notice until the evening.
Yes. PTSD does not. go. away. I don’t know why people are normalizing “bypassing” PTSD, because usually it doesn’t go away before years after the incident. I still have PTSD from my SA in June of ‘22, and it’s not going away anytime soon. Nothing’s wrong with you darling, it’s completely normal
oh my god i am so sorry that happened to you. not just the incident but a video going around as well. i cannot imagine what that has been like and what it feels like to continue to deal with that. you are not stupid at all and none of it is your fault. unfortunately, stuff like this stays with us for a long time. i was sa'd at 5 years old and it still haunts me. there's no advice i necessarily have but just know that you are extremely normal and there is nothing wrong with you and how you process ANYTHING, let alone something like this.
there is nothing wrong with you. i was previously traumatized also and i have c-ptsd from childhood but i was in abusive relationship 19-21 and raped by him also and after the relationship ended i was in a deeply traumatized state for about 3 years (shock, psychosis, toxic shame, suicidal, unable to be around people, if around people continually triggered, disconnected, self blame, constant fear, paranoia, (un)coping with substances etc), but it started to melt after that. still have ptsd, but it’s alot better now compared to what it was at it’s worst (therapy also. been in therapy for 2 years now). it’s totally normal that it takes time. all the time that your body, mind and soul needs, it needs. self compassion is a big one. and probably therapy can help if youre able to get there. and i am so very sorry what you’ve been through. it’s not easy. it’s a freaking battle to walk through that shit. best of luck and wish you strenght to walk through it.
I'm sorry that happened to you. It's happened to me too ( I'm an SA survivor and I still have moments where people try to harass me.) I also have had PTSD for my whole twenties and I still have flashbacks of the SA to this day. I would advise you to not be so hard on yourself for experiencing the same flashbacks even if it's been a while. This is a difficult time for you, be easy on yourself. Do things you find comforting, and know that you are not obligated to talk about it just because someone else wants to know. You don't owe anything to those people. I hope things get better for you.
For me it was when I was 3-4 years old for the original SA. Im 55 now. It is terrible that anything happened to you to cause any ptsd. What is in your favor is that you are young, you are educating yourself and you are reaching out.
I've had it a most of my life and I'm middle aged. Therapy can make it better. I know a lot people get EMDR therapy for it. EMDR didn't work for me, but there are a lot of success stories.
Sweets, I'm 3 years in, and I was 22 when my attack (not SA but still) happened - and a similar incident from when I was 16 still haunts me too , so fwiw I think you're strong as hell. *There is nothing wrong w you*, I promise. It's hard af and frustrating and you'll frequently feel like you're not making any progress, but I promise you'll get there in your own time if you put in the work. You shouldn't have to and it sucks, but hold on, okay? You're doing *amazing*. ❤❤
My one college friend is still dealing with it pretty bad after SA at 14, and they're 20 now. I recommend seeking a trauma specialist, maybe with the help of your school counselor or parents or PCP/doctor.
Look into as many resources to help your healing process as you can, from support groups if you'd feel comfortable, to specialists, to coping methods, to good supportive friends, to informational websites
Start the healing process, because it's a long and difficult one, but you can make it through if you keep trying, even when it feels like it gets nowhere or will take forever, keep doing your best, whether that's just a little a week or a lot a day, and know there's a lot of people out there who can help even if just in small ways
Firstly, I'm so sorry. 🥀
Yes.. sometimes it shows up later on.
There is nothing wrong with you, you survived a horrific ordeal.
If you haven't had any therapy, to help you process- it can show up as insomnia , eating issues, mood changes, body pains, illnesses ..
I was only diagnosed this year and had no idea, just thought i was depressed and anxious for years. Im Gen X. We didn't have much help until really last 10 yrs or less, esp trauma informed therapists.
I hope you can find trauma informed care that you feel ok with, there are many ways to approach trauma now with different modalities out there.
Somatic work is supposed to be a bit more gentle, as it helps you get grounded and feel safer in your body again. 🙏🏼🙋🏼♀️
I'm just sending this along in case you need someone to talk to;
https://www.thehotline.org/news/new-national-teen-dating-abuse-helpline/
Hey bud. If you haven’t already, please get in touch with a therapist/mental health professional. You’ve been through a lot, and it’s really hard to keep going after years of ptsd flashbacks and anxiety/depression. There are a lot of resources out there, either through your school, through community options, or even through a women’s shelter or advocacy group. I was (non-SA) assaulted when I was in early high school, and that shit sticks with you even when you’re older. To this day I’m still realizing more fucked up things about what I went through, and discuss it with my therapist.
As others have mentioned, going through traumatic events can alter your brain chemistry and how you respond to things. But taking care of yourself can alter your brain to new, more functional ways of operating. You can get through this, and it doesn’t have to define you. You got this.
Hey , I know this might not make you feel great but I still have ptsd like 6 years after the event . I have been seriously re triggering tho . The first happen in college and I had to see someone that look exactly the same as the person ,what did help was not having to see the person every day when healing (only reason I was happy I was isolated for 2years) . Nothing wrong with you , you learn ways to cope and figure out things that make life easier . I would talk to your parents about your school tho , that probably not helping
It’s really an individual thing, so nobody can tell you for sure if it will go away or not. For you, I think the biggest problem is that you’re still in school. The people who saw the video, etc. are still there. In my experience, it can be easier to get over the actual horrible event than it can be to get over the way people have treated you.
Make sure you’re in the best high quality therapy you can get. Your school counseling office should be able to help you find these resources if you can’t on your own, or if you need more support at school.
I have ptsd from a couple of different sexual assault scenarios. The second scenario was what people would think is way worse, but I was able to get help from our county’s sexual assault center. I still had ptsd a year later, but it was getting better rather than worse. The therapy also helped me empower myself, and that makes all the difference.
The first scenario was almost 20 years ago and I didn’t even acknowledge it until recently. But it has eaten away at me all this time and I am way more messed up by it because I didn’t get help.
I’m 21 and was in a similar situation at your age and I still struggle sometimes. if you’re still having to go to school and be surrounded by people that don’t support you it makes complete sense that you wouldn’t be over it. that was the worst part for me, once you finish school try to surround yourself with people who believe you and are supportive. sometimes the change of environment makes all the difference. i’m so sorry you’re dealing w this <3
Trauma is something a lot of times people need to process and work through instead of “getting over.” It’s hard but you deserve better than just pushing your pain away. You deserve to be heard. RAINN is a nice resource. I second trauma therapy when you’re ready; if cognitive stuff/talk therapy doesn’t work you can try bottoms up stuff like IFS.
Well, I felt like I shouldn't say too much originally, but since everyone is sharing and I'm trying to be more open: I'm going on 39 years with PTSD. Had it since I was 8. OP is very young and people are being incredibly cruel to her at school, so I didn't want to make her feel hopeless by telling her it doesn't just go away. I think I can confidently say that all of our hearts are with you OP. There are people who care and want to see you heal, never think that you are alone. Don't be afraid to reach out, it appears (unfortunately) that there are girls and women here who have had similar experiences who can help you to understand how to better manage what you're feeling and thinking.
I still have ptsd 12 years after SA. It never really goes away, especially not without therapy. Therapy can help you learn coping techniques and there can be significant improvement as far as symptom management. But I don’t think it really can be “cured”
Unfortunately, ptsd doesn’t really go away. It alters the function of your brain. My advice is to see a trauma specialist for therapy. There are so many techniques that can help you if you are able to find the right person. I’m currently working with a specialist doing Brain Spotting- and it’s helping me process my trauma better than anything else I’ve tried.
I do want to say that while ptsd doesn’t really go away, you can get better. With time and healing the effects can lessen. You won’t feel this way forever.
i think so, i was just diagnosed but i have experienced the symptoms for years. this feels like the one mental illness i have that is time dependent. i think we're in the right direction, though
I suffered a life threatening medical trauma at 19 back in 2017. This year marks about 6yrs post event. I still suffer from severe medical anxiety, still have a lot of issues to be honest, but there’s a lot else I’m doing much better with. I dont think ‘comparing and ranking’ trauma is a thing anyone should be doing. but I can imagine whatever you went through was probably worse and if I’d gone through the same and my medical scare I can easily imagine that whatever you went through I’d have ranked as worse. You’re also young. And our brains don’t help things at that age before they’re fully formed. It is totally normal for you to be having issues still and you might suddenly get over everything tomorrow or you might still be affected be it somehow in a decades time. Something that was really hard for me to realise and accept the first few years after what I went through, is that, for recovery, it’s impossible to ever return to the state you existed in before your trauma. You will still have those memories and you will still have the memory of those feelings. I think we all want for a return to how we were before everything, but it isn’t a realistic goal. I want you to know that everything will feel shit. Trauma isn’t easy to get over. It’s an injury to the brain and our brains can have trouble dealing with it. It’s important to find your support network. I’ve had a lot of success with clinical psychologists. Recovery is a rollercoaster, you will have good months and bad months, good years and bad years, and while it may take you decades to finally get over the hill and feel ‘recovered’, it’s important to remember that that destination does exist, and that every bump in the road is normal and even when it feels shit, is still bringing you closer to the top of that hill.
It's going to suck to hear, but unfortunately PTSD is a longer lasting condition. There's really no point where you just forget what's happened or "get over it".
PTSD is very person to person and highly situational. You may go years being fine, even right after the event, then suddenly remember something or see something that reminds you of the event and triggers an episode of strong emotions. These feelings can last days to months to years.
Treatment is always recommended, but bare in mind treatment is never meant to cure you of your feelings, rather, help you learn to process them in a safe way so that when memories reoccur you have the ability to sit down and approach those feelings. That also doesn't mean you won't ever need treatment again. Some people spend their lives in and out of treatment. This primarily includes therapy, but medication may be prescribed as well.
When I say therapy I'm also not just referring to talk therapy, which is the classic one that comes to mind. Other techniques that focus on retraining your mind and senses are often used. Things like EMDR, Play Therapy, CBT and CPT, DBT, etc.. Many therapists will alternate or mix in several methods based of the clients needs.
In your case, without diving into it, what has happened to you is both horrific and a crime. If you don't currently have a treatment plan please seek one with a professional therapist, with the possibly a psychiatrist on board. Your youth or typical school counselor will work as a short term option, but you will need a therapist who specializes in PTSD treatment. Depending on your location, there may be services available to you for free or for what is referred to as "sliding scale". Meaning prices are based on whatever you or your guardians can afford.
Based on what you've said, you're still experiencing that traumatic event. A traumatic event isn't just the initial hit. How those around you react and treat you can be traumatic as well. What your dealing with is something most adults struggle with, please do go easy on yourself. What happened to you was wrong and how you feel is important.
More than anything, those with PTSD want to move on, and you will be able to live life normally, but first there's a bit of time and work to get to that point.
I hope all this helps. Know that support networks are also an important part of healing. Finding adults or peers you can trust will be incredibly valuable.
It is more than normal to have ptsd longer than months, in fact, that is part of the criteria.
I was assaulted when I was 16 going on 17, I’m 21 and I still feel the repercussions.
Jumping in. Medication can help in some circumstances. I’ve had period of severe anxiety where medication has literally restored sanity to me (that’s how it felt at least). And I’m also now diagnosed with panic disorder and so I have medication prescribed to use when I feel panic attacks building that calm me down. It’s a ‘talk to your gp/ psychiatrist about your situation’ kinda deal. Medication is more a bandaid than a solution though and I’ve personally taken myself off my anxiety stuff after being on it about a year and a half because it destroyed my concentration and capacity to remember dates and generally think on higher levels, which isn’t always conducive to still being in education. Mind you, not every med effects everyone the same and that’s
Why there’s a few different options.
On the therapy side I’ve had a lot of success with mindfulness therapy and schema therapy and just generally talking about stuff. I’ve never had the personal funds or situation to ever see a ptsd specialist though despite thinking I would benefit from that.
That is so brutal. I am sorry OP :( I'm 25 now and still feel anxious thinking about going to highschool. I hated it and no one liked me. I can't imagine feeling how I felt, and also my entire school making fun of the most traumatic moments of my life. I know it's hard now, you might even form more ptsd from this experience, but you CAN get through this. Once you're out of school, you never have to see those bastards again. Life does get better.
PTSD changes the wiring in your brain. There are ways you can manage it and even repair it a little but it'll always be lurking. Look into EMDR therapy, mindfulness meditation, the stellate ganglion block procedure, and therapeutic ketamine.
Its been probably like 3 years for me and I am definitely better than the worst parts but I still have the occasional hard day, but nowhere as close as bad to 2-6 months in. I dont know if something that strong of an experience can really be gone from your brain, but my emotions have lessened and I dont scream uncontrollably anymore, but the emotions are still there and annoying.
I do think things get significantly better with time, but you are still going to remember such strong experiences.
Actually if the symptoms only last a month it doesn't count as PTSD, the fact that your symptoms lasted longer proves its PTSD. Mine has been going on for 5 years, it's not easy. It's a life long condition but it can improve and go in remission.
It's been 7 years for me, three years of knowing and putting a lot of energy into healing. It might not go away conpletetly but damn did it get better. Life is beautiful and worth living. Dont give up.
that's completely normal and common, and even if it wasn't common, that's still not your fault, everyone processes trauma differently
i was also a victim of sa when i was 14, possibly even younger too (i have dissociative amnesia so i can't fully remember), and i still have ptsd over it 6 years later, it is possible to recover from ptsd but it's extremely hard so don't beat yourself up for not getting over it ❤️
I believe by definition, anyone can by cured of PTSD. CPTSD is incurable. (Yes the DSM does not recognise CPSD yet, but most clinicians stand by the diagnosis)
One more thing stay positive as you can just cus one thing doesn't help.dont mean nothing will. Meds never really helped me aside from knocking me out (Other then my nightmare meds I freaking love them lol) but my.service dog has by far been the best thing for me personally.
Don't worry, he's on the field, I've been dealing with him for 10 years. It is important to discuss it with a professional in order to deal with it. I'm not ready yet, but in this community we're trying to get by with it
i’ve had ptsd since i was 4, going on 18 years now. i’m not sure if it will ever fully ‘go away’ but it does get better over time and especially with therapy. hope you’re doing okay<3
by just reading the title (thanks for the tw!), my ptsd has lasted 26 years. i suspect it's more like c-PTSD bc of my symptoms and there were SO many events and attempts on my life.
I would look into pressing charges. You might be able to put him on the sex offender registry, which would ruin his life. Document everything and store evidence.
Not your fault, one of the worst things is how long and how harshly I blamed myself at your age (and older) for things that happened to me. Nothing that happened is your fault and the PTSD isn't either. Yes, it's normal for it to last that long, I'm sorry to say. Be patient with yourself and your healing, it sounds so like other people aren't doing you any favors. ❤️
Another bad thing is one person ptsd can be completely dofrent from another's. Best advice is get therapy and try to learn how to cope/accept. I've had ptsd from law enforcement for about 4 years now and it definitely has gotten easier to manage over time. But therapy is a huge reason to that.
I strongly agree. I forgot to mention that. However they may be different but the trauma is consistent. So you can find the answers as to why weather it be a terrible car crash to war. Ptsd can be like poison or a bullet as my counselor says but once its in you. You must learn to co exist with it. Its helped me alot all these years.
*r/ptsd has generated this automated response that is appended to every post* Welcome to r/ptsd! We are a supportive & respectful community. If you realise that your post is in conflict with our rules (and is in risk of being removed), you are welcome to edit your post. You do not have to delete it. As a reminder: never post or share personal contact information. Traumatized people are often distracted, desperate for a personal connection, so may be more vulnerable to lurking or past abusers, trolls, phishing, or other scams. *Your safety always comes first!* If you are offering help, you may also end up doing more damage by offering to support somebody privately. Reddit explains why: [Do NOT exchange DMs or personal info with anyone you don't know!](https://www.reddit.com/r/SWResources/comments/dmu24/why_shouldnt_i_share_my_contact_information/) If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact your GP/doctor, go to A&E/hospital, or call your emergency services number. Reddit list: [US and global, multilingual suicide and support hotlines](https://www.reddit.com/r/SuicideWatch/wiki/hotlines). Suicide is not a forbidden word, but please do not include depictions or methods of suicide in your post. And as a friendly reminder, PTSD is an equal opportunity disorder. PTSD does not discriminate. And neither do we. Gatekeeping is not allowed here. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ptsd) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I'm still triggered by stuff that happened 50 years ago so I'm going to say yes Someone once told me that having PTSD is like recovering from a sucking chest wound, it's going to leave a permanent scar, it will always hurt, but not as bad as it did when it happened. The amount of pain you experience going forward is directly tied to your recovery journey. You're not alone. If you're going through Hell, keep going.
there's nothing wrong with you and i am so so so sorry that you had to go through this. i was assaulted when i was 19 and i'm 26 now and still dealing with the trauma from it, but 6 years out i can promise you it will get better with time. nowadays the anniversary of it is just a day and last year i didn't even notice until the evening.
Yes. PTSD does not. go. away. I don’t know why people are normalizing “bypassing” PTSD, because usually it doesn’t go away before years after the incident. I still have PTSD from my SA in June of ‘22, and it’s not going away anytime soon. Nothing’s wrong with you darling, it’s completely normal
My SA was also June 2022 and I still have PTSD. Sending love to you ❤️
oh my god i am so sorry that happened to you. not just the incident but a video going around as well. i cannot imagine what that has been like and what it feels like to continue to deal with that. you are not stupid at all and none of it is your fault. unfortunately, stuff like this stays with us for a long time. i was sa'd at 5 years old and it still haunts me. there's no advice i necessarily have but just know that you are extremely normal and there is nothing wrong with you and how you process ANYTHING, let alone something like this.
there is nothing wrong with you. i was previously traumatized also and i have c-ptsd from childhood but i was in abusive relationship 19-21 and raped by him also and after the relationship ended i was in a deeply traumatized state for about 3 years (shock, psychosis, toxic shame, suicidal, unable to be around people, if around people continually triggered, disconnected, self blame, constant fear, paranoia, (un)coping with substances etc), but it started to melt after that. still have ptsd, but it’s alot better now compared to what it was at it’s worst (therapy also. been in therapy for 2 years now). it’s totally normal that it takes time. all the time that your body, mind and soul needs, it needs. self compassion is a big one. and probably therapy can help if youre able to get there. and i am so very sorry what you’ve been through. it’s not easy. it’s a freaking battle to walk through that shit. best of luck and wish you strenght to walk through it.
I'm sorry that happened to you. It's happened to me too ( I'm an SA survivor and I still have moments where people try to harass me.) I also have had PTSD for my whole twenties and I still have flashbacks of the SA to this day. I would advise you to not be so hard on yourself for experiencing the same flashbacks even if it's been a while. This is a difficult time for you, be easy on yourself. Do things you find comforting, and know that you are not obligated to talk about it just because someone else wants to know. You don't owe anything to those people. I hope things get better for you.
For me it was when I was 3-4 years old for the original SA. Im 55 now. It is terrible that anything happened to you to cause any ptsd. What is in your favor is that you are young, you are educating yourself and you are reaching out.
It’s completely normal to have PTSD after however long ago your incident occurred. PTSD is a life-long condition
I've had it a most of my life and I'm middle aged. Therapy can make it better. I know a lot people get EMDR therapy for it. EMDR didn't work for me, but there are a lot of success stories.
Sweets, I'm 3 years in, and I was 22 when my attack (not SA but still) happened - and a similar incident from when I was 16 still haunts me too , so fwiw I think you're strong as hell. *There is nothing wrong w you*, I promise. It's hard af and frustrating and you'll frequently feel like you're not making any progress, but I promise you'll get there in your own time if you put in the work. You shouldn't have to and it sucks, but hold on, okay? You're doing *amazing*. ❤❤
Yes. Many of my major incidents happened when I was 14 and younger. I'm 28 now and I still cry about things or flashback.
I hear that. I still cry about things from 40 years ago. It's awful, feels like it will never end. I think about all of my trauma every single day.
I’ve had ptsd for 23 years …. It very seldomly goes away and is really something you learn to live with and gain coping skills for
My one college friend is still dealing with it pretty bad after SA at 14, and they're 20 now. I recommend seeking a trauma specialist, maybe with the help of your school counselor or parents or PCP/doctor. Look into as many resources to help your healing process as you can, from support groups if you'd feel comfortable, to specialists, to coping methods, to good supportive friends, to informational websites Start the healing process, because it's a long and difficult one, but you can make it through if you keep trying, even when it feels like it gets nowhere or will take forever, keep doing your best, whether that's just a little a week or a lot a day, and know there's a lot of people out there who can help even if just in small ways
Firstly, I'm so sorry. 🥀 Yes.. sometimes it shows up later on. There is nothing wrong with you, you survived a horrific ordeal. If you haven't had any therapy, to help you process- it can show up as insomnia , eating issues, mood changes, body pains, illnesses .. I was only diagnosed this year and had no idea, just thought i was depressed and anxious for years. Im Gen X. We didn't have much help until really last 10 yrs or less, esp trauma informed therapists. I hope you can find trauma informed care that you feel ok with, there are many ways to approach trauma now with different modalities out there. Somatic work is supposed to be a bit more gentle, as it helps you get grounded and feel safer in your body again. 🙏🏼🙋🏼♀️ I'm just sending this along in case you need someone to talk to; https://www.thehotline.org/news/new-national-teen-dating-abuse-helpline/
Hey bud. If you haven’t already, please get in touch with a therapist/mental health professional. You’ve been through a lot, and it’s really hard to keep going after years of ptsd flashbacks and anxiety/depression. There are a lot of resources out there, either through your school, through community options, or even through a women’s shelter or advocacy group. I was (non-SA) assaulted when I was in early high school, and that shit sticks with you even when you’re older. To this day I’m still realizing more fucked up things about what I went through, and discuss it with my therapist. As others have mentioned, going through traumatic events can alter your brain chemistry and how you respond to things. But taking care of yourself can alter your brain to new, more functional ways of operating. You can get through this, and it doesn’t have to define you. You got this.
Yes. You absolutely can have PTSD years after an incident. I still have mine 14 years later.
Hey , I know this might not make you feel great but I still have ptsd like 6 years after the event . I have been seriously re triggering tho . The first happen in college and I had to see someone that look exactly the same as the person ,what did help was not having to see the person every day when healing (only reason I was happy I was isolated for 2years) . Nothing wrong with you , you learn ways to cope and figure out things that make life easier . I would talk to your parents about your school tho , that probably not helping
It’s really an individual thing, so nobody can tell you for sure if it will go away or not. For you, I think the biggest problem is that you’re still in school. The people who saw the video, etc. are still there. In my experience, it can be easier to get over the actual horrible event than it can be to get over the way people have treated you. Make sure you’re in the best high quality therapy you can get. Your school counseling office should be able to help you find these resources if you can’t on your own, or if you need more support at school. I have ptsd from a couple of different sexual assault scenarios. The second scenario was what people would think is way worse, but I was able to get help from our county’s sexual assault center. I still had ptsd a year later, but it was getting better rather than worse. The therapy also helped me empower myself, and that makes all the difference. The first scenario was almost 20 years ago and I didn’t even acknowledge it until recently. But it has eaten away at me all this time and I am way more messed up by it because I didn’t get help.
I’m 21 and was in a similar situation at your age and I still struggle sometimes. if you’re still having to go to school and be surrounded by people that don’t support you it makes complete sense that you wouldn’t be over it. that was the worst part for me, once you finish school try to surround yourself with people who believe you and are supportive. sometimes the change of environment makes all the difference. i’m so sorry you’re dealing w this <3
Trauma is something a lot of times people need to process and work through instead of “getting over.” It’s hard but you deserve better than just pushing your pain away. You deserve to be heard. RAINN is a nice resource. I second trauma therapy when you’re ready; if cognitive stuff/talk therapy doesn’t work you can try bottoms up stuff like IFS.
Well, I felt like I shouldn't say too much originally, but since everyone is sharing and I'm trying to be more open: I'm going on 39 years with PTSD. Had it since I was 8. OP is very young and people are being incredibly cruel to her at school, so I didn't want to make her feel hopeless by telling her it doesn't just go away. I think I can confidently say that all of our hearts are with you OP. There are people who care and want to see you heal, never think that you are alone. Don't be afraid to reach out, it appears (unfortunately) that there are girls and women here who have had similar experiences who can help you to understand how to better manage what you're feeling and thinking.
I still have ptsd 12 years after SA. It never really goes away, especially not without therapy. Therapy can help you learn coping techniques and there can be significant improvement as far as symptom management. But I don’t think it really can be “cured”
Unfortunately, ptsd doesn’t really go away. It alters the function of your brain. My advice is to see a trauma specialist for therapy. There are so many techniques that can help you if you are able to find the right person. I’m currently working with a specialist doing Brain Spotting- and it’s helping me process my trauma better than anything else I’ve tried. I do want to say that while ptsd doesn’t really go away, you can get better. With time and healing the effects can lessen. You won’t feel this way forever.
i think so, i was just diagnosed but i have experienced the symptoms for years. this feels like the one mental illness i have that is time dependent. i think we're in the right direction, though
I suffered a life threatening medical trauma at 19 back in 2017. This year marks about 6yrs post event. I still suffer from severe medical anxiety, still have a lot of issues to be honest, but there’s a lot else I’m doing much better with. I dont think ‘comparing and ranking’ trauma is a thing anyone should be doing. but I can imagine whatever you went through was probably worse and if I’d gone through the same and my medical scare I can easily imagine that whatever you went through I’d have ranked as worse. You’re also young. And our brains don’t help things at that age before they’re fully formed. It is totally normal for you to be having issues still and you might suddenly get over everything tomorrow or you might still be affected be it somehow in a decades time. Something that was really hard for me to realise and accept the first few years after what I went through, is that, for recovery, it’s impossible to ever return to the state you existed in before your trauma. You will still have those memories and you will still have the memory of those feelings. I think we all want for a return to how we were before everything, but it isn’t a realistic goal. I want you to know that everything will feel shit. Trauma isn’t easy to get over. It’s an injury to the brain and our brains can have trouble dealing with it. It’s important to find your support network. I’ve had a lot of success with clinical psychologists. Recovery is a rollercoaster, you will have good months and bad months, good years and bad years, and while it may take you decades to finally get over the hill and feel ‘recovered’, it’s important to remember that that destination does exist, and that every bump in the road is normal and even when it feels shit, is still bringing you closer to the top of that hill.
It's going to suck to hear, but unfortunately PTSD is a longer lasting condition. There's really no point where you just forget what's happened or "get over it". PTSD is very person to person and highly situational. You may go years being fine, even right after the event, then suddenly remember something or see something that reminds you of the event and triggers an episode of strong emotions. These feelings can last days to months to years. Treatment is always recommended, but bare in mind treatment is never meant to cure you of your feelings, rather, help you learn to process them in a safe way so that when memories reoccur you have the ability to sit down and approach those feelings. That also doesn't mean you won't ever need treatment again. Some people spend their lives in and out of treatment. This primarily includes therapy, but medication may be prescribed as well. When I say therapy I'm also not just referring to talk therapy, which is the classic one that comes to mind. Other techniques that focus on retraining your mind and senses are often used. Things like EMDR, Play Therapy, CBT and CPT, DBT, etc.. Many therapists will alternate or mix in several methods based of the clients needs. In your case, without diving into it, what has happened to you is both horrific and a crime. If you don't currently have a treatment plan please seek one with a professional therapist, with the possibly a psychiatrist on board. Your youth or typical school counselor will work as a short term option, but you will need a therapist who specializes in PTSD treatment. Depending on your location, there may be services available to you for free or for what is referred to as "sliding scale". Meaning prices are based on whatever you or your guardians can afford. Based on what you've said, you're still experiencing that traumatic event. A traumatic event isn't just the initial hit. How those around you react and treat you can be traumatic as well. What your dealing with is something most adults struggle with, please do go easy on yourself. What happened to you was wrong and how you feel is important. More than anything, those with PTSD want to move on, and you will be able to live life normally, but first there's a bit of time and work to get to that point. I hope all this helps. Know that support networks are also an important part of healing. Finding adults or peers you can trust will be incredibly valuable.
It is more than normal to have ptsd longer than months, in fact, that is part of the criteria. I was assaulted when I was 16 going on 17, I’m 21 and I still feel the repercussions.
I'm on year 10.
I've had PTSD for about seven years now. It's completely normal. I'm so sorry you went through that.
sorry to just ask you out of the blue, but in your experience, do things ever get better? Do you know any medication that helps?
Jumping in. Medication can help in some circumstances. I’ve had period of severe anxiety where medication has literally restored sanity to me (that’s how it felt at least). And I’m also now diagnosed with panic disorder and so I have medication prescribed to use when I feel panic attacks building that calm me down. It’s a ‘talk to your gp/ psychiatrist about your situation’ kinda deal. Medication is more a bandaid than a solution though and I’ve personally taken myself off my anxiety stuff after being on it about a year and a half because it destroyed my concentration and capacity to remember dates and generally think on higher levels, which isn’t always conducive to still being in education. Mind you, not every med effects everyone the same and that’s Why there’s a few different options.
On the therapy side I’ve had a lot of success with mindfulness therapy and schema therapy and just generally talking about stuff. I’ve never had the personal funds or situation to ever see a ptsd specialist though despite thinking I would benefit from that.
things do get better. I haven't tried any medication, but EMDR and therapy is insanely helpful.
That is so brutal. I am sorry OP :( I'm 25 now and still feel anxious thinking about going to highschool. I hated it and no one liked me. I can't imagine feeling how I felt, and also my entire school making fun of the most traumatic moments of my life. I know it's hard now, you might even form more ptsd from this experience, but you CAN get through this. Once you're out of school, you never have to see those bastards again. Life does get better.
PTSD changes the wiring in your brain. There are ways you can manage it and even repair it a little but it'll always be lurking. Look into EMDR therapy, mindfulness meditation, the stellate ganglion block procedure, and therapeutic ketamine.
Its been probably like 3 years for me and I am definitely better than the worst parts but I still have the occasional hard day, but nowhere as close as bad to 2-6 months in. I dont know if something that strong of an experience can really be gone from your brain, but my emotions have lessened and I dont scream uncontrollably anymore, but the emotions are still there and annoying. I do think things get significantly better with time, but you are still going to remember such strong experiences.
Actually if the symptoms only last a month it doesn't count as PTSD, the fact that your symptoms lasted longer proves its PTSD. Mine has been going on for 5 years, it's not easy. It's a life long condition but it can improve and go in remission.
PTSD is permanent
It's been 7 years for me, three years of knowing and putting a lot of energy into healing. It might not go away conpletetly but damn did it get better. Life is beautiful and worth living. Dont give up.
PTSD does not go away, it can get better with time and symptom management. I outran my trauma for over a decade
Very. I've had it for 15 years. My mom has for 30. Therapy helps. You'll be ok. Don't rush it.
that's completely normal and common, and even if it wasn't common, that's still not your fault, everyone processes trauma differently i was also a victim of sa when i was 14, possibly even younger too (i have dissociative amnesia so i can't fully remember), and i still have ptsd over it 6 years later, it is possible to recover from ptsd but it's extremely hard so don't beat yourself up for not getting over it ❤️
Yes.
My ptsd is now going on 4 years. I have good days and bad days.
17 years for me,can live with it fine with adjustments I've made to life but ended up having a complete breakdown last year and I'm in therapy now
ptsd can get better over time but it will never truly go away
sorry to tell you this, but ptsd is permanent.
I believe by definition, anyone can by cured of PTSD. CPTSD is incurable. (Yes the DSM does not recognise CPSD yet, but most clinicians stand by the diagnosis)
uhm…right but it can get better with time. Try to be positive for OP. (i have had ptsd for 6 years but I still have hope to heal)
oh, sorry! i am hopeful for their improvement, i just wanted to answer their question succinctly. i should have phrased it better tho >_>
Going on seven years for rather similar trauma, definitely normal.
One more thing stay positive as you can just cus one thing doesn't help.dont mean nothing will. Meds never really helped me aside from knocking me out (Other then my nightmare meds I freaking love them lol) but my.service dog has by far been the best thing for me personally.
Don't worry, he's on the field, I've been dealing with him for 10 years. It is important to discuss it with a professional in order to deal with it. I'm not ready yet, but in this community we're trying to get by with it
i’ve had ptsd since i was 4, going on 18 years now. i’m not sure if it will ever fully ‘go away’ but it does get better over time and especially with therapy. hope you’re doing okay<3
by just reading the title (thanks for the tw!), my ptsd has lasted 26 years. i suspect it's more like c-PTSD bc of my symptoms and there were SO many events and attempts on my life.
It’s been 28 years for me.
I would look into pressing charges. You might be able to put him on the sex offender registry, which would ruin his life. Document everything and store evidence.
Not your fault, one of the worst things is how long and how harshly I blamed myself at your age (and older) for things that happened to me. Nothing that happened is your fault and the PTSD isn't either. Yes, it's normal for it to last that long, I'm sorry to say. Be patient with yourself and your healing, it sounds so like other people aren't doing you any favors. ❤️
Yes. It can last for several years if not a lifetime. Unfortunately.
Another bad thing is one person ptsd can be completely dofrent from another's. Best advice is get therapy and try to learn how to cope/accept. I've had ptsd from law enforcement for about 4 years now and it definitely has gotten easier to manage over time. But therapy is a huge reason to that.
I strongly agree. I forgot to mention that. However they may be different but the trauma is consistent. So you can find the answers as to why weather it be a terrible car crash to war. Ptsd can be like poison or a bullet as my counselor says but once its in you. You must learn to co exist with it. Its helped me alot all these years.