Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)

Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) differs from PTSD because the duration of the trauma is longer. C-PTSD is the result of ongoing traumatic experiences. Child abuse, both mental and physical; domestic abuse, both mental and physical, exposure to cults and sex trafficking are some examples.

C-PTSD is a mental health condition that can result from prolonged repeated abuse or trauma. The result of this exposure can manifest in such ways as anxiety, flashbacks, relationship avoidance, and difficulties sustaining healthy relationships. While these are similar to PTSD, additional effects are often suffered.

C-PTSD can bring with it feelings of worthlessness, emotional detachment, hypervigilance, negative thoughts and emotions, difficulties with emotional regulation (overreacting or underreacting), and persistent shame or guilt.

Long term abuse such as child abuse can be a leading cause of these mental health struggles. These struggles can lead to secondary abuse cycles such as abusive adult relationships. Feeling trapped, unvalued, unloved, powerless, and victimized are part of daily life.

This exposure to constant abuse changes the way our brain processes information. We only work from our knowledge and experience. The neuropathways created from trauma determine our reaction to the world around us. Once we are working from a place of trauma, we are always working from that place until we acknowledge it and start to heal from it.

1 - admitting that the abuse was real and that we have the right to be hurt and angry

2 – accepting that this was beyond our control

3 - Understanding that we have the power to control our emotional future

4 – Growth and understanding of self – this is a long, yet empowering process. This is taking back your life and gaining control

5 – notice the changes in your physical body as well as your thoughts when you start to feel triggered

6 – identify the cause of these feelings – is this something new that needs to be looked at and dealt with or is this based on old feelings and fears

7 – once the process above becomes comfortable and more of an automatic response to stress the healing has a place to grow

8 – Working on step 6 and 7 will take time and repetition. If the anxiety and fear is coming from a place of old trauma, identify it as such. By putting these feelings in the old trauma category, it releases us from the fear in this moment.

Working with someone who specializes in trauma healing and recovery is the best first step we will ever take. Talk therapy, spiritual advisors, learning new coping skills, setting achievable goals, being kind to yourself, knowing when you need to be alone to recharge and learning how to self sooth are all components of recovery. These are time tested, and successful avenues that lead you to the path of your life.