PTSD is a distressing mental health disorder that affects up to 5% of American adults each year. It is brought on by trauma and causes distressing symptoms that impact several areas of one’s life. Unresolved PTSD can lead to strained relationships, a decline in work, and even chronic health problems.
Fortunately, with treatment, patients with PTSD can recover and live a normal life, free from a cycle of trauma. Healing from trauma unfolds in stages and is not something that happens overnight. Trauma-informed therapists will work with you to process emotional distress and work through triggers.
Understand what recovery from PTSD looks like and the treatment options so you can make an informed decision about getting help.
PTSD Recovery Process
The first step to recovering from PTSD is to acknowledge the trauma and complex emotions that come with it. Many people who suffer from trauma try to numb their emotions or avoid what they are feeling. This can be out of shame, guilt, or simply not having the tools to process their trauma properly.
It’s important to practice daily stress management and acknowledge triggers to move forward with a life free of PTSD symptoms. Start by talking to a trusted friend or family member about what you’re going through.
Having a support system, even if it is just 1-2 people, is better than holding everything in and dealing with processing trauma on your own. It can also make it easier to reach out for professional support if you have someone who can support you get into treatment.
Signs of PTSD
One of the most important parts of recovering from PTSD is recognizing the signs. PTSD can be tricky to recognize, manifesting as physical health problems or mimicking other mental health disorders. Some of the signs of PTSD include:
- Trouble focusing
- Drastic swings
- Guilt or shame
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Flashbacks or nightmares
- Stomach problems
- Headaches or migraines
- Tension
- Low self-esteem
- Lack of motivation
- Intrusive thoughts
5 Stages of PTSD
There are 5 general stages of recovering from PTSD. One of the most important parts of recovery is getting professional, trauma-informed treatment. The 5 stages of recovery include:
| Impact | Comes right after the trauma. You may begin to acknowledge your trauma and process symptoms. Seeking help during this stage can greatly increase the chances of recovery. |
| Denial | Denying the experience of trauma, numbing out the emotional pain through unhealthy behaviors such as substance abuse |
| Repetitive | Facing the trauma head-on (such as going to therapy, visiting the place where the trauma occurred, etc.) |
| Short-Term Recovery | Officially accepting help. You may have started therapy during this stage or come up with a plan for times of triggering situations |
| Long-Term Recovery | You are now able to cope with triggers, and your trauma no longer controls you. Symptoms may arise, but they are manageable. |
How Does PTSD Develop?
PTSD is caused by experiences of trauma. When one experiences trauma, it sends the body into fight or flight mode. This pumps out excess cortisol in the blood and can cause inflammation. Not everyone who experiences trauma will go on to have PTSD; about 20% of those who experience trauma will develop PTSD. There are several experiences that can lead to trauma; these can be acute, chronic, or complex.
Some of the experiences that can lead to trauma & PTSD include:
- Natural disasters
- School shootings
- Domestic abuse
- Political instability
- Serving in combat
- Car accident
- Severe medical injury
- Chronic disease
How Long Does it Take to Recover from PTSD?
There is no specific timeline for recovering from PTSD. Everyone heals at their own pace, and various factors can affect the healing time. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the average course to see symptoms improve with proper treatment is about six months.
However, for some people, seeing improvement can take as little as 3 months or as long as a year. It’s common for patients with PTSD to have co-occurring disorders such as depression, anxiety, or struggle with substance abuse. This can impact the timeline for recovery.
Factors that Affect How Long It Takes to Recover
As mentioned above, there are various factors that can affect how long it takes to recover from PTSD. This experience looks different for everyone, and the quicker one receives treatment, the higher the success rate is. Some of the factors that affect the recovery timelines include:
- You lack a support system
- You don’t reach out or have access to treatment
- You are dealing with other stressors in your life
- You are in the wrong kind of treatment that does not address the root of your trauma
PTSD Treatment Options
There are several evidence-based therapies that exist to support people recovering from PTSD. These focus on processing underlying emotional distress, working through triggers, and building coping skills to use in times of crisis. Some of the most common treatment options for PTSD include:
- EMDR
- CBT Therapy
- DBT Therapy
- Accelerated Resolution
- Music therapy
- Art therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Animal-assisted therapies
PTSD Treatment in Utah
It’s important to seek help from a mental health professional if you have experienced trauma and are struggling to function. Maple Mountain Mental Health & Wellness Center has a compassionate team of trauma-informed therapists who are here to provide comprehensive support for PTSD.
We understand the complex nature of trauma and offer trauma therapies such as EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, and trauma-focused CBT. Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health.
Traumatic Events by the Numbers. National Center for PTSD.
