Can post traumatic stress disorder cause relationship problems years later?

Question

I escaped a domestic violence relationship 25 years ago and got counseling to help with the nightmares and panic attacks. It helped me and eventually I got remarried to a nice guy, had children, and worked at a good career. Recently I have felt isolated and suddenly overwhelmed with a flood of memories-not about the attacks- but of a string of lost friendships, poor relationships at work, anger, irritability, cynicism and mistrust of others over the many years of my adult life. I tried to trace when it started and now wonder, could this be related to PTSD that long ago?

Answer 1

Yes, it could. I would consider re-entering therapy, and finding a therapist who specializes in the treatment of trauma. When someone has experienced a lot of trauma, their central nervous system is constantly activated. It can be difficult to regulate emotions, and they may feel anxious and unsafe much of the time. There are various techniques that a trauma specialist can use to help discharge some of that stored traumatic energy (that lives in the body). Such techniques include EMDR http://www.emdr.com/q&a.htm and Somatic Experiencing http://www.traumahealing.com/registry.html

Good luck. You deserve help and support.

Answer 2

I think it can effect you throughout your lifetime and can kind of pop up at any time. Short term therapy specifically aimed at PTSD might be useful to help you work through it. I am not an expert, just speaking from second hand knowledge through my ex-husband. He is a Clinical Psychologist and has a particular interest in PTSD, so I have gleaned information from that. Hope this was at least a little helpful. Good Luck and I hope life gets easier for you!!!

Answer 3

Yes it can create relationship problems later because you won't be able to trust a man again and always be afraid of one even if he's not like your ex and doesnt abuse or mistreat you. You have to get help for this or else expect your relationships to fall apart later on down the line.

Answer 4

instead of trying to find a label to stick on it, why don't you explore the feelings you have now -- how are these mood & attitude changes effecting your life in the here and now. if it was ptsd, that will come up in your exploration. it seems too much is lost on slapping a label on something, & compartmentalizing it. You're living in the here and now, so that's the place to start. It will all, as they say, "come out in the wash." I wish you well, you sound like a brave person.

Answer 5

Definitely could be. But cut yourself some slack. And consider going back to counseling to help sort it out

Answer 6

It very well could be. Get back in counseling and get to the bottom of the issue.

Answer 7

So they say, but it is often used as an excuse for bad behavior.