PTSD, like most other mental illnesses, will never go away completely. Those with PTSD will enter a recovery or remission period, but the chance of a relapse is always there.
For most people, therapy, medication, or a combination of both is extremely helpful in reducing symptoms and improving the patient's functioning, but these treatments are not a cure. Therapy can help those with PTSD learn to better manage their distressing thoughts and the resulting behaviors, and many can go on to lead happy and productive lives.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, also known as EMDR is a fairly new and effective treatment option that uses side-to-side eye movements to help people process distressing memories and trauma.
In addition, people with PTSD can learn to practice self-care and self-compassion, understanding that their trauma is real and their feelings are valid, but their mental health is their responsibility.
Take our PTSD quiz to see if you may be suffering from a post-traumatic stress disorder.