PTSD: Can symptoms really last decades?

Hi everyone,

A new 20-year study has found that PTSD symptoms can persist or even worsen long after a traumatic event, sometimes lasting decades. The research followed thousands of responders to the 9/11 attacks and found that while many improved over time, others struggled for years, especially those without strong coping tools or social support.

This study is a powerful reminder that trauma doesn’t always follow a neat recovery timeline. For some, symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety, or emotional numbness may resurface years later, especially after life changes like retirement, illness, or anniversaries of the event.

👉 If you live with PTSD, how has your experience evolved over time?

👉 Have certain life events made symptoms better or worse?

👉 What helps you feel safe, supported, or grounded when trauma flares up?

@laurlaur @Samuel @cristalwizard @Willow10 @Paradise67 @janet69 @tharrison @laura41 @Shaylea @gaykevin @ginger49 @Raistlin @johnpaul63 @TitchK @Abhaya @rumer136 @beryl50 @Debs6660 @katrinalove @Sparkle64 @BetteC @Animal @Bubblefaery @ActorSean @monski @LeeBee @shelly68 @bluebudedog @Mousymal @cate1966 @mdk32824 @mrkarl50 @cejay1975 @Colonel @ninaw68 @charleexn2 @busybee6969 @larraine11 @kaznov @Mikeydjay @grimmreaper @JHubby @chrissie141010 @Highburymoon @fionawatk @slousa @Tree_eee @musselle30 @Heathergem @Ramona87 @JFT787L @Miadawn @Kittyhearted @jackiesheehan21 @LadyMelchor @Cheryl @saturi @KarenEve @shanwhelan @Gallifreya @Sarahbee @leithreas @Welshladyx @ahern6 @liansharp @JanetPod @Dawn81 @knuckles @SKyler1311 @Tigger.co.uk @mazza66 @Buzzy17 @Claire1963 @Helenxx @Dai123 @NannaBev @martha4carz @twinzie @loopylou1978 @Defiant74205 @Woodsta1986 @Hayleynokes @Kelbil37 @Baker6874 @chrissie2018 @Vanessa1967 @Jazziehood @Pattiann @Loulou30 @Herbs70 @Katielou217 @Jojobetty @Pixydust @Dorothy38 @Elleunicornlover @Deirdre70 @kiki2595 @Moojuice @HelsBels77

Your story might help someone else feel less alone. ❤️

Take care,

Somya from the Carenity team 🌼