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?
E2My PTSD Is related to childhood sexual trauma, and physical abuse. Im 53. I lived in misery My entire life. I did not get joy from anything. I was suicidal trying to survive. Everyday was excruciating. Nothing helped. It got worse as I got older. I landed inpatient in 2013, 2018, 2019, 2020. I started the carnivore diet on june 2023 when i discovered i have late stage lipedema to help with inflammation from late stage lipedema, and surprisingly, my debilitating depression went away after about 3 months. Its been 2 years, no more medication and no more suicidal ideation. Cutting the sugar and seed oils and adding more fat has made a difference.
PTSD: Can symptoms really last decades?https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/living-with-behavioural-disorders-mental-illne/ptsd-can-symptoms-really-last-decades-63072025-07-02 16:17:41
Somya.P
Community managerGood advisor
Somya.P
Community manager
Last activity on 01/16/2026 at 4:23 PM
Joined in 2023
871 comments posted | 18 in the Living with anxiety and other mental illnesses group
26 of their responses were helpful to members
Rewards
Good Advisor
Contributor
Messenger
Explorer
Friend
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?
@Tjbradley @biancaolivas22gmail.com @NaReyes @cbholder3 @cscott845 @Mcannon @dyermm @Addison46 @nikki1974 @sayaret @michaelpeterjr21 @lillianireta @luci63 @cmmusiclover @Happy77 @pegweb @LisaK1962 @Joey'shere2 @ximena @Lauryn @Trendygirl @Hollyt @Dawnduffy0703 @irishprincess1976 @Zippy58 @Sandy78 @Crystal0732 @Phoenix26 @Mrs.GingerRose @Latifah2020 @leprachan60 @AtomicStar94 @Cre8v4u2 @Mskris79 @Cheryljordan @richjh @Lisa_lou @Jess624 @Cheerypipsi @Vchewning @brando13 @connieb @Kk1971 @JamieShaw @Patty54 @Tigerlily7 @Ncblossom @Peacejoy @Zowiebeauie @LisaEvette @AmyRector @Purplesloth78 @Babstarr97 @“Ashkkc1228 @wolfp5590 @Diamante @StönedPilöt @Dezzyb @Mark228 @TIJAY49 @Kaderae24 @Shanntn @Mesha53 @angie4655 @spooky247247 @marshaann @Laungnome @6325GC @sweetiecakes87 @Shelia1964 @Dwaters1001 @lindamoore @RachelD @Julzygirl @Cecemarie1993 @wdutt69 @Avery80 @Chelsmarie89 @Nikkee @JeanineP37 @Elsie93 @bscottk74 @Ashley54 @Phoenic @deppstand @Nlkgsw @bella06 @Mel1287 @Joipayn @Txgirl66 @AlwaysLonely @Merebo27 @Leeçrazylee @Blood31 @jjgeronimo1111 @bonkistobias @peterkings2014 @swtbluesky @Tinaparker @Indwell1977
Your story might help someone else feel less alone. ❤️
Take care,
Somya from the Carenity team 🌼