Is It Possible To Heal (completely) From Ptsd??

[Survivor2Thriver]

but reducing symptoms isn't a cure (or 'completely healed') in my opinion.

What value do you have for PTGrowth?

 

[cherryblossom]

Sorry, I don't know what PTGrowth means.

 

[Survivor2Thriver]

There's a thread in this forum. Basically it's the level of life felt after trauma. Positive feelings that trump anything that happened to you. It's beautiful! :joyful:

 

[Deleted member 1860]

How is my determination to overcome PTS symptoms in anyway associated with narcissism?

Your incessant talking about how you're so much "better" than everyone else.

Do you realize that those who feel a need to tell everyone they are a better person quite often indicates feelings of inferiority. I don't feel a need to put others down because I don't feel inferior to them.

You are in a different stage of healing and I recognize that. However, realizing you are better than your abusers doesn't equate with a cure!

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Basically it's the level of life felt after trauma. Positive feelings that trump anything that happened to you. It's beautiful! :joyful:

PTSD isn't just feeling like crap mentally because of trauma in your past. There are psychological changes that occur. If thinking happy thoughts cures you, more power to you. However there are certain symptoms that simply can't be fixed by mentally being happy. If you have none of these symptoms, count yourself as lucky.

 

[Survivor2Thriver]

Your incessant talking about how you're so much "better" than everyone else.

I'm better than my abusers and so are you. There's nothing wrong with saying so. It's incredibly healing. Try it Solara! :)

 

[cherryblossom]

Positive feelings that trump anything that happened to you.

I have plenty of positive feelings at numerous different times. That doesn't mean that I suddenly don't have PTSD any more. I have a great life after trauma, but I also continue to suffer from PTSD symptoms when my life becomes really stressful. I really don't understand how positive feelings 'trump' negative feelings. Having positive experiences or feelings doesn't wipe out the negative ones. It doesn't make you suddenly 'forget' the bad times.

Perhaps, I'm misunderstanding, and need to duck out of this conversation, because I really don't understand.

 

[Survivor2Thriver]

I don't feel a need to put others down because I don't feel inferior to them.

You sure like to follow me around and cry narcissism. ;) No problem. I understand you're at a different healing place as well.

 

[The Albatross]

Perception and thinking pattern changes have really benefited me. I wouldn't exactly call it "thinking happy thoughts" though. I am less symptomatic and more effective now than I was 3 years ago. Do I still have PTSD? Um, yup. Yes I do... but it is much better and has been more effectively managed with more levitiy toward myself and others than nursing my own woundings.

 

[Survivor2Thriver]

Having positive experiences or feeling doesn't wipe out the negative ones. It doesn't make you suddenly 'forget' the bad times.

You are correct. We have horrific memories for life! However I'm going to deal with mine with humor. We also have a greater understanding of dysfunction. A greater appreciation for life and the ability to help others going through the madness. At the end of the day it's not about us. It's about what we survived. That in itself is healing. Life is meant to be lived and I'm going to enjoy every second of my life. The reward is in the deeply felt happiness that CAN be felt in the moments of despair we managed to survived. I can't think of anything more remarkable!!!

 

[Lucycat]

I am in the same camp as those who say managed but not cured. I have changed my opinion over the years. In the beginning, when I was first diagnosed I *needed* to hear there was a cure as life was intolerable and I would have ended it if I thought that was how it would be for ever. However as I have progressed through my healing I have realised that there are degrees of symptoms. At times I have felt so well I have truly thought I might be cured. Then my cup overflows again and bang!! I am reminded that it is still there and I have to go through all the self preservation and grounding techniques again.

I am now at a place where I don't think it matters that much either way. As long as I know what to do when I relapse then I can deal with the fact there will be more relapses.

I also acknowledge that it is up to me to take care of me and when the going gets tough - I slow down and take stock.

My T has said he will never discharge me. I don't see that as a negative, it just means that I can go for months without seeing him if I am well, but do not need to seek a re-referral if I have a crisis. It is like having a safety net and I like it.

 

[The Albatross]

Cherry Blossom, PT Growth is: Post Traumatic Growth I believe.