For me, the lack of concentration is the first sign that either (if it's early in the day) that my symptoms are going to go up or (if it's late in the day) that my exhaustion level is going up.

I was told a long time ago by my therapist...and it makes sense to me...that dealing with the symptoms of PTSD all day is exhausting. Mentally and physically it's just an energy drainer. Mentally trying to keep your focus during the day and keep the bad thoughts at bay is draining. Our muscles that keep tightening up due to anxiety and stress is a energy zapper, too. We burn a lot of energy without even realizing it.

I was told that it gets better as we get better and it does. But we don't get to get back to those levels of energy we used to have. PTSD makes your 'snap-back' not what it used to be. It becomes another thing to add to the list of changes in your life.

Lisa