Why do I feel symptoms of PTSD from the death of loved one when it was after a long illness and not a surprise?

PTSD may happen through many sort of experiences. It's not that much about what exactly happened and how - it's more about how you were able to respond to it. If you think you have PTSD, it's important to get a professional's opinion on that.

Because even though it did not come across as a surprise to you, you are still grieving and still upset over the loss. Maybe you knew this was coming, but at that time you still had your loved one in your life. They are now gone and you are adapting to life without them and your PTSD has been triggered.

Loosing someone is never easy, your life during those times was a learning process. You hear things that are overwhelming and most of the time aren’t things you were expecting and even if you were still overwhelming and sometimes draining. Your feeling at those moments were put aside and sometimes taking time to remember how important your presence was to you loved one can bring you peace.

It doesn't matter what you're expecting, losing a loved one is a lot to take in. Even if you weren't close it's a painful ordeal. I think you never move on from losing a loved one. But, it does become easier to accept. And it's okay to miss them terribly all the time. But, if it starts to interfere with your social or work life, it's important to get professional help. There are grief counselors who can give you helpful coping skills for dealing with losing a loved one. Of course, it hurts and cry as much as you need to. But, try your hardest to not let it interfere with your social life. Spend time with friends, family, and other loved ones as well. And before you know it, you'll have accepted that when it's time for someone to go, it's their time. I think you become a stronger person when you go through this.

Because that person was still close to your heart. I’m not sure if it matters if it was a long term illness or not, the death of anyone you love is a trauma that will take some healing. Whether it be a friend, a grandparent or an immediate family member, death is something that is very difficult to come to terms with. But that’s why we’re here! We want to help and we will do everything we can to validate your emotions and make you feel heard and understood. Everyone deserves to have someone to talk to, and that is what we strive to do, along with doing our best to make you feel more at ease.

I'm sorry you are experiencing this. I can only imagine how you must be feeling. I have experienced and continue to experience PTSD from things that happened a long time ago. It is completely normal for this to happen, and there are many factors why you might feel this way. It's important to note that you're feelings are valid, and to be gentle with yourself during this time. As time goes on, it will get easier. There is no right or wrong answer for how you are supposed to feel right now. The grief that you are experiencing regardless of if it was not a surprise of not, is completely valid and understandable.