Stress, whether physical or psychological, often leads to elevated levels of cortisol, a hormone that plays a vital role in the body’s stress response. While transient elevations in cortisol are adaptive, chronic elevation can contribute to a range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and even physical ailments like metabolic disturbances and immune suppression. Managing stress and its associated symptoms often requires a comprehensive approach, including pharmacological interventions, psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and stress-management techniques.
In your case have been receiving treatment for the past two years. The primary aim of treatment is to reduce and resolve symptoms while improving overall quality of life. The fact that you are inquiring about when treatment might end suggests there may have been some progress. However, assessing whether treatment can be safely discontinued requires a thorough evaluation of your current symptoms, past progression, and response to interventions till date.
Treatment for chronic stress-related conditions typically follows three broad phases: Acute Phase focuses on symptom reduction and stabilization- aiming towards quick relief, then the Continuation Phase after achieving initial stability, the goal shifts to preventing relapse and sustaining the improvements; and the final Maintenance Phase to maintain the remission achieved and prevention of relapse. As you have been suffering with symptoms since 7 years, might be that it may take longer than usual to taper treatment and stop it.
Next Steps
Consult a psychiatrist to assess further treatment plan and the current stage of your treatment. It is essential to evaluate your current symptom status like have your symptoms been fully resolved for a sustained period including absence of distress and return to normal functioning in daily life, work, and relationships.
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Any external stressors if present till date should also be evaluated and approach should be to resolve those or build in a strong coping mechanism for it/them.