Does PTSD Ever get better?

[Bear1922]

The title to this post pretty much sums up my query.

I felt like I turned the corner for a couple of weeks. But now - night terrors, flashbacks, physically painful sadness. Nights spent up just crying - more like a silent scream of anguish.

Exhausted & losing the determination to fight on.

🐻

[Guest_922]

For me it’s become less frequent but no less traumatic. What I used to experience daily, sometimes multiple times is now maybe once or twice every month or so. Still it takes me time to feel safe. It was only last night that I had nightmare that was of my real trauma, so when I woke i felt like I was right back there in the aftermath. I learnt some good techniques from my psychologist and they are helpful.

I find that when things slow and I have more time to think then it hits me more frequently. I just feel restless.

[Guest_922]

I also want to add though that whilst PTSD is part of my life, it doesn’t rule my life. There are many other things in life that I enjoy and love. I use these things to distract me and give me purpose. These things were hard to see initially but after a year I began to take more notice. Take care

[Bear1922]

Thank you.

It's good to have something to be distracted by. I'm doing a Graduate Diploma in Psychology & it's a great distraction when the subject matter isn't about memories & trauma. Then I think mmm being the victim of childhood sexual abuse sucks.

But my journey in Psychology is to become a Trauma-Focused Clinical Psychologist. I guess I don't take the easy path.

I can recommend psychodrama to rewrite night terrors into the third person. Great advice from my Trauma-focused Psychologist.

I despise flashbacks & night terrors.

The evil, sadistic psychopath who sexually abused me Has earnt his place in hell. He is dying apparently.

All the best.

🐻

[ITnErd6]

It does get better with time, slowly.

I used to wake up once a week thinking I was still in a bunk in jail.

Now it only happens every 4-5 months.

Talking to a psych has helped to a certain extent but now I'm looking for a new one to talk too. Someone stronger maybe.

And thats also why I'm on here. Its a safe outlet to chat with people in similar situations in life.

As guest_922 said distractions. And keeping busy helps. I was lucky to find what I call my happy place. A scenic spot where I can walk, sit and contemplate. Then have a coffee while listening to music on my headphones and smelling the fresh sea breeze.

The trick is to go there regularly even when I think I'm feeling good to sort of 'bank' some happy for later on in case I need it. And if its windy I wear a jumper. If its raining I get wet.

Maybe you could find your happy place Bear1922

[Pineapple99]

This is how I feel. I wasn't doing well but I was doing not as badly as usual then bam life reminds me why I shouldn't get my hopes up.

[ITnErd6]

Hi Pineapple99,

I know that feeling. You just start to feel a little better and then it feels like life is kicking you in the guts again, trying to push you down.

This might not work for you but when I feel this way its probably because I haven't been looking after myself and walking and relaxing in my happy place. Truth be told I haven't been there in over 10 days.

I have had other relaxing times elsewhere but I know I really need to get back there and bank some time.

I think weirdly that just writing here in these forums helps me quite a bit. I've only been here 2-3 weeks but I look at other threads and respond where I think I can help other people from my past experiences. It seems odd but it makes me feel tiny bits better. Maybe just because I then know I'm not the only one to feel this stuff.

Do you jump into other threads Pineapple99 ?

🙂