Thanks

Welcome to the forum, BetterPath.

I don't know that there is an accurate yardstick by which one may pronounce themselves, or anyone else "Healed" from PTSD. Blood tests, xrays, etc., have not yet found the mark. In my own strictly personals, I work on managing the symptoms well enough to live a full, active life. I, strictly personal, measure that by how any given day is working out for me. Am I appreciating the good days? Am I keeping ^it^ together on the bad days? Am I getting up again after I fall down? For sure, sorting all that is easier with a little help from my friends. I get delusional when I try to go ^it^ alone.

But that is me. . .

Welcome aboard, BP. The PTSD experience is different for everyone. Gentle support while you find what it is for you. Hope you find healing companionship here.

Betterpath24,
Reading your post I felt like I could have been reading something I wrote myself. Specifically what you shared about planning, sometimes I feel as if I’m planning my life away. For a long time I tried the self-healing. I had an “I can do this on my own” attitude. I didn’t think anyone would understand my stuff anyway. It wasn’t until I started getting some professional help that I was able to find some new perspective that helped me really find some break through. Don’t get me wrong there are still times when I struggle, but that’s why ongoing help is beneficial. Healing is journey. Have you considered getting some help outside of yourself?

Welcome, Bet. There is a range of experiences here both with PTSD and with recovery, so I don't think there's any one single answer as to healing. I got PTSD over the course of my formative years in childhood the way lots of others here did--domestic violence, sexual assault--but then war broke out where I lived overseas and added its heaviness to the mix.

So in my therapy my doc focused on what arfie wrote above, "I work on managing the symptoms well enough to live a full, active life." I've got a high functioning life going. I live with flashbacks, panic attacks, and dissociating, but I have got a career and friends and speak at churches, so I've overcome a lot. I wouldn't call it "normal," though, and it's been interrupted by a crash per decade, more or less, and a re-start from the hospital with new meds.

Overall, from a "managing" point of view I consider that to be success. However, some wise souls here speak of being totally healed of PTSD. I'm intrigued, so I don't want to rule it out. On the other hand, if it's not my lot, I won't consider that a failure.

That's my 2 cents about truly healing from PTSD.

SBMutz-
Thank you for relating; although I'm sorry you do. I have been going to therapy consistently for about 7 months now. It does help manage the symptoms definitely! But we never touch on the deep issues and I'm not sure why....she doesn't seem to want to. I think she kind of tiptoes around it so that I remain stable and don't go backward, but a part of me thinks bringing it up may help bring it out of me. I guess I'll just be patient. Thank you so much for your response!!!

municaptsd
Thanks for replying! I feel like to truly heal you need to get to the core of the issues which is so hard to do. Sometimes I feel like my life is full but I 'crash' about once a month- not horribly just get really down. Thank you for giving me some hope & inspiration!

Dooo
Sorry you're dealing with it too. That link is very interesting I definitely will look into it! Thank you!

@Betterpath24- I’m glad we were able to connect. One caution I would share, while being patient is certainly an option, have you considered sharing openly with your therapist that you feel like going deeper may help you move forward? It’s possible she simply doesn’t want to push you. Maybe if you initiate that conversation, it will communicate to her where you’re at. In my journey, it took years before I really went "there" and dug deep but I know once I did it brought a new level of healing to my heart and did allow me to move forward in multiple ways. If you truly feel like you’re ready to dig deeper with a safe source, and she’s not willing to go there with you maybe you should consider getting a second opinion. Or, maybe even a support group or some type of community group like some local churches offer. Just thought I’d share a little more with you since I often times wish I had gone deeper when I first felt ready rather than waiting so long.

You're welcome, Bet. You sure started an interesting thread for us. I've gotten a lot out of reading the replies, too.

SBMutz,
Thank you, you really helped & maybe I will tell her that I've been thinking a lot about going deeper. She's a very good therapist I'm sure she will understand & if she doesn't think it's a good idea I'll trust her judgement. Even just coming on here has helped me a lot, thanks again!

mujicaptsd
Thanks! I have too, I'm appreciative...glad it helped someone else too

Betterpath24- Happy to share my experience! I always hope that my story can be a blessing to others in similar situations. It's good to hear that you have a trust worthy therapist and it's wonderful to know she has your best interests at heart no matter what! Best wishes to you!!