How long can the effects of PTSD last?

Hi, thank you very much for taking the time to ask your question and providing the follow up details. From what you shared, it sounds like you have been through a lot, and it's understandable that you were wondering about the effects of post traumatic stress disorder.

I know your main question was about the long term or possible short terms effects of trauma, but it's important to recognize that there is no time limit on healing, and sometimes it is three steps forward and four steps backwards. Especially after what you shared you have been through, losing someone close to you while struggling with your own alcohol issues. I know you probably already know this, but I just want to reiterate that it is not your fault what happened with the person close to you, and it's normal to have days where it affects you more than others. 

Congratulations on your newborn and being a parent to your teenager. However, I'm sure that adds onto your stress level, which can exacerbate the effects of trauma from your recent or not so recent past.

Something that I like to talk about with all my clients that have been through trauma is the fact that it affects everyone differently, and there is no correct way to respond to trauma. A common response can be fight, flight, or freeze. I know those are pretty self-explanatory, but if you would like to be in therapy we could discuss them more in depth as well as tricks and coping skills to go through when you are feeling the effects of trauma.

One of the best coping skills for trauma is meditation/guided imagery, as well as journaling so you can get out your feelings and not carry them around as if you were bottling them up. I kind of compare it to trying to lug around a large bucket of water, you get exhausted and eventually the water spills over, and the same things can happen with trauma and emotions.

Another thing I wanted to mention is the fact that the long-term effects or short term affects of the trauma can be impacted by how chronic the trauma was. just a one time event or if it was ongoing. Again, the number one thing I want you to get out of this information is that there is no typical time for trauma to affect someone, but it's important to remember the more you try to sweep it under the rug the longer the effects typically last.

Thank you for your time.