Feb 14, 2023

PTSD in nurses: the importance of self-compassion. 5 stages of PTSD

Updated: Dec 8, 2023

PTSD in nurses: the importance of self-compassion. PTSD: Will I Suffer forever?

When you are experiencing the effects of PTSD, it can feel never-ending. Although it can take a long time to recover from PTSD, many people recover from the condition and lead happy and fulfilled lives. Recovery from PTSD takes commitment and consistency to help form positive new habits to overcome the condition.

When you are dealing with the effects of PTSD, it may seem like a never-ending nightmare. Trauma can be overwhelming, and healing may appear to be an unattainable goal. But don't give up hope; many PTSD survivors have gone on to lead fulfilling lives. The key to rehabilitation is deciding to make a consistent effort to develop new, healthy routines that will help you overcome the illness. (Read more...)

The five stages of PTSD

The road to PTSD recovery may be difficult, but it is worthwhile. Each person's experience is unique, and the rehabilitation process is not linear. There are five stages of PTSD to help you chart your progress and find your way back to health and happiness.

Let’s find out more about each stage.

Emergency Stage- This follows immediately after the traumatic event. When you may be struggling to come to terms with what you’ve seen happen.
Denial Stage- Not everyone experiences this stage. You may find that you try to ‘protect’ yourself by shutting down your emotions so you can’t get hurt further.
Rescue Stage- In this stage, you may start to come to terms with what happened; it can be difficult and painful.
Short-term Recovery Stage- You begin to rebuild your life and develop a more positive outlook.
Long-term recovery stage- This can be the longest stage, with a continued need to consistently implement various coping skills to live the life you want. During this stage, you may see a relapse of symptoms due to different triggers.

How long does PTSD last?

Depending on the type of traumatic event someone has experienced, PTSD can take a long time to recover from fully. Some people may recover in a few months; others may live with PTSD for years.

PTSD recovery can take a variety of times, depending on the individual. PTSD may take a long time to completely resolve depending on the type of traumatic event experienced. While some people recover completely in a matter of months, others may suffer from PTSD for years.

Although living with PTSD can make it difficult to manage your symptoms and improve your mental health, there are steps you can take to help. You must be able to confront a wide range of thoughts and emotions in order to help establish new, constructive perspectives on situations. You'll also need to learn how to cope with traumatic event reminders and how to change false self-perceptions.

PTSD can harm relationships because loved ones may not fully understand what someone suffering from PTSD is going through. It is critical to discuss your situation and feelings with your family and friends. By being open about your struggles, you can accept help from others, raise awareness of mental health issues, and reduce stigma.

It's important to remember that social isolation can exacerbate symptoms and lead to unreasonable ideas. Spend time with several groups of friends each week to increase your comfort level with others rather than alienating them. PTSD can be treated and recovered from with the proper care and therapy. If you need assistance coping, talk to your doctor, family, or friends.

It is critical to remember that self-compassion is an essential component of rehabilitation. Allow yourself to feel what you're feeling and take some time to care for yourself.

Living with PTSD

Working on improving your mental health is challenging. To help improve symptoms of PTSD, you will need to learn to challenge a range of thoughts and feelings to help embed new positive ways of looking at situations. You will also need to learn how to deal with reminders of traumatic events and how to change irrational beliefs about yourself.

Can PTSD affect relationships?

PTSD can strain relationships, as loved ones may not fully understand what someone with PTSD is going through. Talk to your family and friends about what is happening and how you feel. Only by making people aware of our struggles can we accept support from others. By talking to others, you are not only helping yourself, but you are helping spread awareness of mental health issues and breaking down stigmas.

Make sure not to isolate yourself from others, as this will increase your symptoms and irrational beliefs. Take time to see different groups of friends each week to build up your confidence in being around people instead of pushing them away.

Remember that with the proper care and treatment that recovery from PTSD is possible. Make sure you reach out to family, friends, or your doctor if you aren’t coping.

Reflection

Have you ever suffered from PTSD? What stage of recovery are you experiencing at the moment?
Have you been living with PTSD? How do you feel you are coping?
Do you know where to get help if you think you are struggling?