Ways To Cope With The Long-Term Effects Of PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after experiencing a traumatic event like a natural disaster, war, or personal attack. It can affect anyone, regardless of age. People with PTSD often experience disturbing flashbacks, intense anxiety, and constant fear. For some, these symptoms may slowly improve over time. However, others might struggle with them for much longer.

The long-term effects of PTSD can go beyond mental health, affecting physical well-being as well. This can keep the body in a constant state of hyperarousal, releasing stress hormones that may affect various bodily functions. This ongoing state of alertness may not only make it hard to relax, but it can also make it difficult to trust others, socialize, and enjoy life fully. However, PTSD can often be treated with a combination of therapy, medication, social support, and self-care practices.

How PTSD can develop as a chronic condition

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that often arises after an individual has experienced or witnessed a severe traumatic event. While many people may temporarily experience distress following trauma, some individuals develop PTSD, which can become a chronic condition over time.

Several factors may contribute to the risk of developing PTSD long-term. These generally include the intensity of the trauma, ongoing stress after the event, and a lack of social support. Moreover, a person's history of anxiety and other mental health challenges, as well as a family history of mental health disorders, may increase the risk. 

​​PTSD can alter stress hormones and memory functions, potentially leading to ongoing difficulties with the stress response and memory recall. These biological changes likely play a role in why PTSD can persist as a chronic condition, affecting a person's life for many years.

Acute stress disorder vs. chronic PTSD

After experiencing a traumatic event, individuals may develop acute stress disorder (ASD). Acute stress disorder typically occurs immediately after the traumatic event and can last for a period of three days to one month. Symptoms may include flashbacks, mood swings, and an ongoing sense of horror or helplessness. 

If symptoms persist beyond a month and continue to cause significant distress or impair one’s ability to carry out daily activities, the condition may evolve into chronic PTSD. Chronic PTSD usually involves enduring symptoms that can last for months or even years after the traumatic event. People with chronic PTSD may have severe flashbacks, avoid reminders of the trauma, and experience changes in their emotional reactions.

Long-term effects of PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder often affects people differently, leading to various mental and physical health challenges. People with PTSD may be stressed and alert even when there's no danger. This can cause or worsen mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and substance misuse, potentially making it hard to do daily tasks or maintain relationships. Physically, high stress levels can increase the risk of chronic pain.

Anxiety

Anxiety can be a common challenge associated with PTSD. People with PTSD may experience intense, persistent, and sometimes irrational fear or worry. Common anxiety symptoms may include restlessness, a feeling of being "on edge," rapid heart rate, and difficulty concentrating. These symptoms tend to arise as parts of the body's natural response to stress, but they can become overwhelming and interfere with daily activities when linked to PTSD.

Chronic pain

Chronic pain often develops as a persistent and distressing symptom for individuals with PTSD. Studies have shown that individuals with PTSD might experience chronic pain differently, as the pain can act as a continuous reminder of the traumatic event, possibly leading to reduced physical activity, although updated evidence may be needed.

Symptoms associated with chronic pain may include the following:

• Continuous aches or sharp pains
• Increased sensitivity to pain
• Muscle tension or spasms

The link between chronic pain and PTSD is thought to stem from the heightened state of arousal in the nervous system, which can be common in PTSD and may amplify the perception of pain. In addition, individuals with PTSD may avoid activities due to fear or anxiety, which can, in turn, contribute to muscle weakness and other physical reactions.

Insomnia

Individuals with PTSD may experience insomnia, a condition marked by trouble falling or staying asleep. Persistent insomnia can lead to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mood disturbances, which can increase the stress of PTSD. 

Insomnia in PTSD patients might occur as an increased state of anxiety around bedtime or being easily awakened by noises and other disturbances. Continuous sleep deprivation may worsen PTSD symptoms, potentially making an individual more susceptible to flashbacks and other re-experiencing symptoms. Without adequate rest, a person’s body may have less opportunity to recover from stress, potentially leading to physical health problems, such as cardiovascular issues. 

Depression

Depression can be a common long-term effect of PTSD. Individuals with PTSD may experience persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and a general sense of hopelessness. The connection between PTSD and depression tends to be well-documented; the two conditions frequently occur together, with the stress from the traumatic event often increasing the risk of developing depressive episodes. Complications arising from comorbid PTSD and depression can be severe and may include substance misuse and suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Interpersonal problems

Individuals with PTSD may experience various interpersonal problems that affect their ability to form and maintain close relationships. Symptoms like irritability, mistrust, and difficulty with affection can lead to challenges in personal interactions.

Over time, an individual may experience social withdrawal and isolation as they might find it hard to relate to others or become disconnected from their social circles. The stress from these interactions may result in increased anxiety or avoidance of social situations altogether.

Affected individuals may struggle with vulnerability and find it particularly hard to form or maintain intimate relationships. Relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners can break down, leading to further isolation.

Substance use disorders

Substance use disorders can be common among individuals coping with PTSD, who may often use substances like alcohol to self-medicate symptoms. 

Symptoms of substance use disorder can involve a strong urge to use the substance, struggles to control its use, and continued use despite negative effects. Individuals with PTSD may face intense cravings, higher tolerance levels, and withdrawal symptoms when not using. 

The relationship between PTSD and substance use disorders can form a cycle. Substance use can worsen PTSD symptoms, while ongoing PTSD symptoms might lead individuals to increase substance use as a temporary way to cope.

Ways to manage the long-term effects of PTSD

Managing the long-term effects of PTSD usually involves a combination of professional support and self-care strategies. A person may seek help from behavioral health services, which can provide a range of therapies. A mental health professional can offer a supportive space to work through traumatic experiences.

Therapy options may include the following:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which usually helps individuals reframe negative thought patterns
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), which can be effective in helping individuals process traumatic memories
• Group therapy, which can provide support from others who have experienced similar traumas

Medications, under the guidance of a healthcare provider, can reduce symptoms associated with anxiety and depression, which are often comorbid with PTSD. 

Self-care tips that individuals can incorporate into their daily routine include the following:

• Consistent sleep schedule: Ensuring regular sleep can reduce PTSD symptoms.
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Activities like yoga or meditation may lessen stress.
• Productive lifestyle choices: Nutritious eating habits and regular exercise may improve overall well-being.
• Support networks: Maintaining relationships with friends and family can provide emotional support.

It can be vital for those managing PTSD to have access to resources and to understand that while the path to managing symptoms can be challenging, proven strategies may alleviate the long-term effects of the condition.

Seeking support

After experiencing traumatic events, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A mental health professional can offer personalized support by helping individuals process their experiences and develop coping strategies.

Online therapy can be seen as a valid alternative to in-person care, according to a 2022 study evaluating the effectiveness of online therapy for PTSD. It can also offer accessibility for those who might face barriers to in-person therapy.

BetterHelp is an online platform that can connect individuals with licensed therapists. Users can schedule appointments that fit into their existing routines and choose between online chat, phone call, and video conference for each session, depending on their preferences and comfort levels. 

Takeaway

People with PTSD may experience a variety of symptoms that can affect their mental and physical health over time. They may lack interest in or struggle with social activities and may subsequently pull away from loved ones and face challenges with maintaining close relationships. Long-term effects of PTSD can also include severe anxiety, chronic pain, and depression. However, various treatment options, including online or in-person therapy and medication, may relieve the long-term effects of PTSD.