Question

I took DocJohn's new test and it said that I had PTSD. Can you have that about things that happened almost 30 years ago?

Hi Susan888,

Yes, PTSD can develop at any point after a traumatic event. For some people it develops very quickly and for others it develops many years later. Do you have a T to talk to about your results? Take care of yourself.

Often PTSD doesn't show up until 20 years after the fact. Audie Murphy was an example of that. He was fine for nearly 20 years after WWII and the Viet Nam War set him off on his experiences.

Susan, googley's response was spot on...
Jme, but sometimes we don't make the connection between what we are experiencing symptom-wise until we come across an assessment of any kind...online or with a T or pdoc.
Many people feel relieved to have a "name" put on their problems.

Please do talk with your T if you have one. It can be of great help...
Post and let us know how you are doing, ok?

Best wishes,

Catherine

I don't have a T....I'm 45 y/o now....My life has just been one bad choice after another............Would there even be any point to getting help now? Somehow it just feels too late...I do recognize that my childhood issues have contributed to my bad choices, but at this point I can't get a re-do.....

Susan,
I can understand your questioning the value of treatment now.
But..always a but!...you have many years of life ahead of you. Perhaps it would help you make better choices so those years will hold more peace for you?
Therapy doesn't have to be a long drawn-out process. It can last long enough to give you some insight and focus.
I know how much it helped me, and I guess I just want for you to have good things in your life.

Hey, posting here is also valuable, jmo. Ask questions if you are comfortable doing so, read what others have posted and see what you have in common. Our traumas are different but the affects are nearly the same.
It's possible that will be enough--or it will stir up something you may want to talk with a T. There's no rule you have to do anything, just knowing it's there if you need it is helpful.

Thank you for posting, Susan...

Catherine

Thank you Catherine..This site has certainly helped me..I think I am starting to understand why I am like I am........maybe understand some of the bad choices I have made in this life....most importantly.....made me see some good in myself...somtimes....I guess...most importantly...It makes me feel like maybe I do have something to contribute so I am not a total waste of space.. I have read some of your posts and although we do have different issues...I have a lot of respect for your words....so thank you for that! Thank you for your for your service to our country....words can't express that gratitude!!!

hey lady, ya made me blush!
Thank you...

wow that is wonderful that you are seeing you are a valuable and respected woman. it gave me joy to read your words about having good things to contribute.
Susan, I hope those feelings of worthiness and belonging continue to grow.

Catherine

LOL Didn't mean to make you blush!! My words were true....As far as me feeling worth something...me too Catherine....me too....

Like others have said PTSD can strike years after the event and its never to late to do something about it! 45 is still young ... you are still 20 yrs away from social security

I have been feeling kind of sick since I took that test and posted this....For some reason the memories have just flooded my mind all at once and that is scary for me....I have spent my life (since I was 8)...trying to be "normal".

They are all dead now so I will never get any answers......

When you are a kid and lonely, sad, a misfit who's father killed himself..I think the predators of this world can just "sense" that. I haven't found the adult word to be much kinder......only not as overt.

p.s. feel free to Pm