Can a major life trauma significantly age a person?

My experience has been that finding a local therapist is almost impossible. Their schedules are filled for months. In a crisis situation you need attention that is not 3 months away. I agree online help is not ideal for client or provider but it fills a need when you have nothing else to turn to.

10 and 1/2 years ago got bacterial meningitis of my brain with sepsis multi organ failure on a vent etc. I was coded. In many ways I have recovered but require more sleep much quieter life style. Got a lot of therapy. Still getting it. I will be recovering for the rest of my life.

MDK1960,
What an awful experience to endure and for so long! That's too bad. I'm glad that you have recovered somewhat. Requiring more sleep and a quieter life style is a recipe that I think we all need! You are fortunate that you need that. It will improve your health a lot.

Best wishes. I will say a prayer for you.
PML

50 years ago I had swine flu, NDE, and ICU for over 30 days along with sleep deprivation psychosis. I lost the lower part of one lung and the ability to walk without pain. Now I'm 70. For all these years I've also needed a lot of sleep, and a lot of peace and quiet. I'm still dealing with the experience and so appreciate your comment. My life has actually been very full--but I had to really prioritize what was important and discard the rest. This very traumatic experience did make me who I am, in a lot of good ways too. Thanks again.

I resonate a lot with your reply. I am 63 now. I was 53 when this occurred. It gave me the opportunity to change. I too had to prioritize what mattered to me. I had a craniotomy to remove an access in my left temporal lobe. The surgery resulted in a seizure risk but I am seizure free. I am different but in positive way. I learned to say no and have boundaries. Thank you for your comment

Thank you. I am well. I walk daily 3000 steps drive work online. I have 2 pitbulls that are my documented ESAs. I got married again and moved from my life long home state to NM. I only take 3 prescriptions now. Thank you for your prayers.

If I can make one suggestion. Therapy is very hard to find now. Someone with experience with trauma is my suggestion.

I'm glad you are doing so well and got married again! That's great! Your pitbulls sound cute!
I'll continue the prayers that everything continues to be good for you.
PML

Ask to be put on a cancellation list in case someone cancels and an appointment becomes available. That’s how I got in to see an unbelievably and impossibly busy doctor to schedule appointment. This process has worked for me a couple of times getting in to see extremely busy doctors. But, I did make appointments 6 months to a year out in case there were no cancellations. It’s always worth a try.

My primary care doctor is at Mayo Clinic. It is almost impossible to have a primary care physician at Mayo anymore. (Fortunately I have been there for 20 years.) I just learned they have their own in house therapists (or more than one). I am going to hang on with online therapy until I can see one for f2f therapy. Anyone with primary care might try Mayo services. It is exhausting to have trauma and then on top of it all have to go through so much effort to find much needed help. Good thoughts for all of you try to heal. I appreciate all of your very helpful comments on this subject.