Why Does PTSD Make Achieving New Years Goals So Difficult?

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Why Does PTSD Make Achieving New Years Goals So Difficult?

Lauren Mauck • Jan 05, 2021

Eagles Wings Counseling Center - Why living with PTSD makes achieving New Year's Goals Difficult.

It's that time of year again. We're saying good-bye (and good riddance) to 2020 and hello to 2021. Often, people set New Year's Resolutions with great anticipation and hope. However, with PTSD, instead of feeling hopeful, you may be living in a constant state of anxiousness, grief, anger, or overwhelm. As a result, getting through the day is hard enough. Trying to find the internal resources to set and follow through with a lofty goal may just seem like a setup for disappointment.

PTSD is a mental health disorder that develops after exposure to a traumatic incident or events. The result of unresolved trauma can lead to debilitating and life-changing symptoms. As such, the New Year holiday may not seem like something worth celebrating. After all, the celebration alone can trigger flashbacks, anxiety, or feelings of despair. Then there's the reality that achieving long-term goals doesn't even seem plausible. So, what can you do if setting New Year's Resolutions is something you're interested in but struggle to follow through with?

In this article, we'll discuss a few ideas you may want to consider when it comes to goal setting and PTSD.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is also known as post-traumatic stress disorder. It's a mental health issue that develops after a traumatic incident or multiple traumatic events. Often, when people hear PTSD, they automatically think of veterans of war. Other incidents can also cause PTSD. For example, witnessing or experiencing a serious car accident or health issue can lead to trauma. The same is true for those who witness or experience the threat of severe injury, sexual violence, or death.

Eagles Wings Counseling Center - How To Manage PTSD And Still Achieve Your New Year's Goals

I'm Living With PTSD, How Can I Approach New Year's Resolutions?

Those around you may not be able to grasp the depth of your trauma. As a result, they may not understand why setting and achieving New Year's Resolutions can be so difficult for you. Likewise, they may not be able to comprehend how debilitating your symptoms can be. However, setting goals can serve as motivation and help you find purpose in life. So, rather than avoiding the conversation altogether, is there something you can do?

Here are a few ideas to consider:

1. Before you set a goal, develop self-compassion. Anyone who sets a goal can face setbacks or lose motivation. However, without self-compassion, this could trigger other negative emotions.

2. Avoid lofty goals. Instead of setting a long-term goal, perhaps you could shift your focus to fulfilling your daily needs. For example, let go of expectations and allow yourself to acknowledge whatever it is you're feeling. You may be stuck in fear and anxiety or bitterness and grief. Remember, you have every right to feel whatever it is you're feeling.

3. You could set a goal to research ways to help you heal. Treatment for PTSD, especially through EMDR, is proven to be highly successful. Likewise, the process can be life-changing. You deserve to find happiness and healing. Setting a goal to look into treatment could be the key to changing the outcome of 2021.

At Eagles Wings Counseling Center, we specialize in treating those with PTSD. We understand the complexities that accompany unresolved trauma. Likewise, we want you to be able to heal and enjoy life. We'd love to see if we can help you overcome your PTSD. Call us today.

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