This sense of foreshortened future is a reaction that can occur following trauma.
It is considered an avoidance symptom ofpost-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) related to negative expectations about the future.
This article discusses the symptoms and causes of a sense of foreshortened future.
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It also covers coping with this symptom and when you should seek help from a professional.
This symptom can be challenging to cope with and may lead to isolation,hopelessness, helplessness, anddepression.
A sense of a foreshortened future is also associated with holdingnegative beliefs.
Below are several potentialcoping strategies.
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People are forced to come to terms with their own mortality.
As a result, the belief that your life will be cut short likely feels very true.
However, there is really no way to determine your lifespan.
Consequently, it can be helpful to be mindful of those thoughts about your premature death.
Notice your thoughts as simply objects in your mind, as opposed to the truth.
Doing so will prevent you from connecting with those thoughts, thus reducing the likelihood of hopelessness andhelplessness.
Engaging in activities you used to enjoy before the traumatic event may be particularly useful.
You may not notice an immediate change in your emotions or thoughts.
Pay Attention to Your Choices
People often make choices based on their emotions.
Anxiety may tell you to avoid something.Sadness may tell you toisolate.
Anger may tell you toretaliate.
Although listening to youremotionsis important, they may not always lead you down the best path.
The more meaningful relationships you have in your life, the more fulfilling your life may begin to feel.
Therefore, it can be essential to take steps to approach situations or activities that you want to avoid.
When you start this process, bringing along a trusted and supportive friend may be helpful.
Taking care of yourself can have a tremendous impact on your emotions and thoughts.
When to Get Help
Many of the coping strategies listed above are easier said than done.
It may also be helpful to seek treatment for your PTSD.
A therapist can also provide you with support as you use the coping skills described above.
There are a number ofeffective treatments for PTSD.
Medications may be prescribed to help treat symptoms related to anxiety, mood, eating, and sleep.
If the future feels intangible, consider talking to a therapist.
It can contribute to poor achievement, depression, hopelessness, and isolation.
Ratcliffe M, Ruddell M, Smith B.What is a “sense of foreshortened future?”
A phenomenological study of trauma, trust, and time.Front Psychol.
2014;5:1026. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01026
The National Child Traumatic Stress online grid.What is child trauma: Effects.
National Institute of Mental Health.Anxiety disorders.
American Psychiatric Association.What is post-traumatic stress disorder?
American Academy of Family Physicians.Mental health: Keeping your emotional health.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.PTSD: Avoidance.
