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Mental Health HomepageConditions LibraryConditions CategoryConditions CategoryAsk A Therapist: Can PTSD and Social Anxiety Randomly Return?
Table of Contents:OverviewQ: Can PTSD and social anxiety relapse randomly for no particular reason? I had therapy for months last year, and I was normal for months after. Now I can barely function and do basic things at work like speak up in meetings. I’m seriously considering handing in my notice, as I feel like I’m failing at my job so they’ll fire me anyway.
PTSDRead Time: 3 Minutes
Published On: January 5, 2021
Reviewed On: January 5, 2021
Updated On: May 21, 2024
OverviewOur Council of Experts are available each week to offer insight, guidance, and tips to answer your questions. Have a question for our therapists? Submit it to[email protected]
Overview
Our Council of Experts are available each week to offer insight, guidance, and tips to answer your questions. Have a question for our therapists? Submit it to[email protected]
Q: Can PTSD and social anxiety relapse randomly for no particular reason? I had therapy for months last year, and I was normal for months after. Now I can barely function and do basic things at work like speak up in meetings. I’m seriously considering handing in my notice, as I feel like I’m failing at my job so they’ll fire me anyway.
Dear Ayah,
Being constantly exposed to so much news of trauma can create something called vicarious trauma and can be incredibly harmful to our mental health. Research is finding that the bombardment of traumatic materials in the media can lead observers to anxiety, difficulties in coping, feelings of fear and helplessness, and in rare cases PTSD. Because of your history you’re more vulnerable to the effects of news and media in your environment.
What you’re experiencing is a relapse of your symptoms. I highly recommend jumping back into therapy with your therapist! In all of the years that I have been providing trauma therapy, my clients often come back months or even years later for a few “maintenance” sessions. This is completely normal, and in some trauma protocols likeCognitive Processing Therapyit’s strongly recommended as a standard part of the process. Therapists plan for these recurrences of symptoms.
Of course this must feel extremely distressing. Does it make sense though, that despite the overwhelm and frustration, that this isn’t the best time to quit your job? Avoidance is a really common symptom of PTSD (and anxiety), but avoidance of the things that scare us does little to calm our fears. This is a decision that can create a lot more stress as opposed to relieving it. We lose perspective when our mental health is compromised. You’re in pain, Ayah. You’re not working up to your capacity because your mental health needs care, not because you’re incapable.
Reach out to your manager and communicate what’s going on. My guess is that this isn’t going to come as a surprise. Most employers will follow a planned protocol. If they didn’t have one before 2020, they probably do now.
I applaud the courage it took to engage in therapy last year. Therapy is vulnerable and requires dedication — especially when dealing with trauma. It’s not a singular event though, and your ongoing dedication to your mental wellbeing will require tune-ups throughout your life. You have the advantage this time around. You already have some tools and a blueprint for what your mental health feels like. You have control over how you manage this and an already established lifeline to grab onto. Reach for it. I can’t say it enough — this is a normal part of the process. Youwillfeel better again. And when you do, reach out and let us know. You’re not alone Ayah.
-Ashley
Ask a Therapistis for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your mental-health professional, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical ormental health condition. By submitting a question you are agreeing to let Talkspace use it. Full names will not be used. *In case of urgent issues, do not ask a question, call 1-800-273-8255 or go to https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Ashley ErtelAshley Ertel, LCSW, is a Nationally Board Certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has over a decade of experience specializing in trauma and depression, working primarily with first responders, military personnel, and veterans, and sexual assault survivors.
Ashley Ertel, LCSW, is a Nationally Board Certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has over a decade of experience specializing in trauma and depression, working primarily with first responders, military personnel, and veterans, and sexual assault survivors.
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