PTSD and depression

[paddywack223]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum. I have been on Citalopram 40mg for 18 months because of a medical accident which required high risk surgery to correct. After the surgery I knew I wasn't myself and would continually think about what happened to me and the pain was bad. I became distanced from my family and didn't go out. I stopped enjoying life and imagined myself in this black hole and all my family were trying to get to me. Nothing would stir any emotion from me except fear of the world and not wanting to be part of it. I was so jumpy and I couldn't sleep.I was scared to sleep because the nightmares would stir the negative emotions even more and I would wake up even more tired than when I went to bed. I was a shell of my former self. It was only recently that I was diagnosed with anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress by a psychiatrist and  have been seeing a psychotherapist weekly for EMDR for 3 months and am just starting to improve my state of mind after 3 years.


My question is if anyone else has had PTSD and depression and how long the recovery takes and once you have got them do you always have them?
Thanks

[paddywack223]

Thankyou for your understanding and support. I've had it really tough and I didn't realise how ill I was until I started feeling better. I still have alot of bad days, but at least they are not all bad and i know with help I can continue to improve. it's just that sometimes i feel impatient with myself and want to know when i'll get better. I realise nobody knows that answer but I get frustrated with myswelf and my situation. Thanks again for your reply.

[mammo]

PTSD can be over-come, through therapy.  It is an individual thing, depending on how severe the incident was, how long ago, and you!  You've tried to forget about something traumatic, that you never really got over, or dealt with properly.  The fact that you are seeing improvement is wonderful, as you are heading towards recovery.  It takes time to re-train the mind, and to address the issue to a point that you are confortable with it.  Depression can be a life-long problem after diagnosis, again depending on "why" you are depressed.  With your therapy, you will be able to address what is causing this as well, get it out and deal with it.  It may all be inter-twined, and you could end up medication free after your therapy, as many do.  Depression has varying degrees, and severity, so again it really all depends on the person and their circumstnces.  It sounds like you are on the right track, good for you!  We've all dealt or are still dealing with these types of issues, so know you're not alone.  We understand and are always here for support and advice. Take care...