Delayed onset PTSD is when you do not develop a PTSD diagnosis until at least six months after a traumatic event. Sometimes, it can take years for the PTSD symptoms to appear until a recent stressor enters your life when you least expect it. Once you have developed PTSD symptoms, you need to get yourself into treatment so you have better control over them.
Causes of Delayed Onset PTSD
People at risk for delayed onset PTSD are those who experience some symptoms of PTSD but not enough to meet the criteria for a diagnosis after a traumatic event. It is normally very rare to have delayed onset PTSD if you have never had previous symptoms of PTSD, as it reflects a worsening or re-occurrence of previous symptoms in most cases.
The experience of additional trauma can make it hard to cope with a previous traumatic experience, which increases the likelihood that PTSD symptoms can be more severe. The same can be said with the COVID-19 pandemic, where seeing the images of people in the hospital on the news could bring up a traumatic experience you dealt with in the past that you have not thought about in a while.
Addressing PTSD Symptoms Early
Even if these symptoms are not severe enough to qualify for a PTSD diagnosis, it does not mean they should go on ignoring them. If you do not address your PTSD symptoms, they could increase your risk for delayed onset PTSD. You can start off by not self-medicating with substance abuse, as a way to shut out these symptoms.
While this behavior may initially help you escape the pain, it will cause your symptoms to get worse in the long run.If you are dealing with a sudden occurrence of PTSD symptoms from a previous traumatic event, it is worth it to speak to a therapist. Your therapist can help you trace where the trauma came from and what triggers to avoid.
You do not need to wait to get a PTSD diagnosis in order to treat its symptoms. In therapy, you will also learn better coping strategies for future stressors. You may think you have control of your PTSD until a future stressor comes and you forget what you need to do. By taking control of your PTSD now, you can have control over your future and your life.
Delayed onset PTSD can make life more difficult than it needs to be. The Guest House works with men and women 18 and up who seek treatment for trauma-based addiction and mental illness. Our programs include breath work, equine therapy, art therapy, grief therapy, cinema therapy mindfulness, individualized and group therapy, and more. Reach out to get help today by calling us at (855) 876-3884.