News Would You Give Up 13.6 Years Of Your Life?

[Happy Head]

A recent first time study looked at what actual people said about their symptoms. Instead of compiling data from case studies et. al, actual vets were interviewed for a more accurate portrayal of the symptoms The majority of the vets listed these as the most burdensome, quality of life reducing symptoms.

• Heightened arousal (for me, this can get a little embarrassing at times)
• Trouble sleeping (OMG YES!)
• Irritability and vigilance (this is very, very draining, trust me – when all your energy is used up just assessing situations… it’s no wonder I can run marathons – also explains my short fuse)
• Anxiety (Yep, especially the unpredictability of it)
• Depression (I won’t even go there…)

Less troublesome symptoms were:

• Distressing recollections (though these bother me somewhat)
• Avoidance of certain activities and thoughts (I do this at times, but generally I’m free…)

Perhaps the most distressing thing that was reported was that “the researchers found that, on average, a patient with PTSD was willing to give up 13.6 years of his or her life to live unburdened by the symptoms of the disorder.”

Yes, I would give 13.6 years of my life to live symptom free.

Article is from Science Daily

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[Tinyflame]

I would, but not if I knew I had 13.7 years left :oops:

 

[AngelaMarie]

I wouldn't because all of my life, good or bad, makes me who I am. SO sad but so true!

 

[Srain]

I put no because it's a lot of time and because this is all ever known and who I've always known.

I'll work towards healing but no, I wouldn't give up that chunk of time.

 

[The Albatross]

I voted yes, because this far in, on reflection I believe I have given up more than 13 years already due to self harming behavior (alcohol and nicotine)/maladaptive coping. I do not have a concept of being symptom free and would like to experience that in my lifetime. At 51, I tend to aim or prefer quality over quantity... but I am really not invested in "family" having no children. I know that my perspective on this troubles my spouse.

 

[TheLost]

I voted yes. I think its worth 13.6 yrs to be completely symptom free. I could get the job I want, be able to study better, actually make and KEEP friends and have kids and a family. I wish it really was an option.

 

[Loloma]

No. Firstly because of my age. Secondly even though I won't be symptom free, I now know that I have the ability to improve my coping skills, I have before and I'll do it again

 

[kimba]

I would. I am in my 40's now and having PTSD robbed me of the years of my life I would have spent in ways other than trying to deal with it and trying to figure out why I wasn't as normal as other people seemed to be.Then again, being diagnosed recently because of the attention PTSD has received will hopefully help make the rest of my life, however long or short, better.

 

[Lionheart]

There are a lot of things that I wish I didn't have to experience, but for better or worse, my life is mine and I will live it knowing that I did the best I could.........(some people never gain the strength of confidence that comes from overcoming adversity or enjoy the peace of knowing that one has lived a good and honest life).

It reminds me of that song "The Dance" by Garth Brooks;......"I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance!"

Hmm mm, guess that's a "No"!!!

 

[olaja]

Sorry, but I have given up enough of my life already, and I am just now coming to a better place where I believe I will be able to live again. There is no pill that would take away the pain of living this life of mine. Now, if your poll was about exchanging years of my life for guaranteed life satisfaction for a period of time...that I would consider :p

 

[Oberons Wife]

I think it's a great deal, I'd grab the chance, infact if women now reach 76 on average I'd swap 25 years to live the next 5yrs symptom free- or swap 28 for 2 symptom free. Can't see the point in another 30 years of this. Or can we plum for reincarnation, on the basis that I get born to an emotionally well adjusted family I'm happy to die tomorrow, or as I'm in Britain, I'd happily get reborn as a cat or dog, more care seems to be spent on them than the kids.

 

[maddog]

Yes, I certainly would. Have always believed in quality of life over quantity, and if I could do more with less, than show me where to sign up.

Maddog