Understanding Complex PTSD
What is Complex PtSD?
Many of us have heard of PTSD, but haven’t necessarily heard or learned too much about CPTSD. One reason for that is because Complex PTSD is not yet recognized or included in the diagnostic statistical manual.
Complex PTSD (also referred to as C-PTSD or Developmental Trauma Disorder) is a more severe form of PTSD, that develops in response to chronic, recurrent, ever-present abuse/neglect and toxic stress experienced during childhood by a trusted attachment figure or caregiver that the child is dependent on to get basic needs met. This form of betrayal or neglect of (caregiving) duty what differentiates C-PTSD from single-incident PTSD.
HOW DOES THIS DEVELOP?
When your childhood home environment and caregivers are chronically unsafe or abusive (children of alcoholics, personality disordered parents, domestic violence) the child feels helpless, and are unable to protect themselves. In order to survive and cope with the ever present sense of danger, the human brain then “dissociates” from the present moment, creates an alternative reality and shifts into an “auto-pilot” or “survival mode.” This state is often described as living in a fog; being spacey, or detached. In reality, this state of being is a byproduct of the nervous system’s fight/flight/freeze/fawn response to a (perceived) threat to life.
Living in this type of terror and anguish stunts healthy identity formation, relational/social skills and creates an extremely negative view or sense of ‘self.’ Your very sense of self cannot develop when your caregiver is unsafe, erratic or dysfuncitional. There is simply not enough resources to meet both the caregiver and child’s needs.
Common C- PTSD symptoms include:
Avoidance of people, places and things that remind you of the trauma
Somatic symptoms (ex. dizziness or pain) when remembering the trauma
Hyperarousal, which means being in a constant state of high alert
Believing the world is a dangerous place
Lack of trust in oneself and/or others and difficulty forming close relationships
Trouble sleeping (ex. falling asleep, staying asleep)
Difficulty controlling your emotions
Feeling empty or hopeless
Feelings of worthlessness
Feeling like no one understands you
Disconnection or disassociation
Differences Between PTSD vs. C- PTSD:
Duration and Chronicity: PTSD symptoms often have a relatively short duration and can improve over time with treatment. In contrast, CPTSD symptoms are chronic and persistent, woven deeply into the fabric of one's life.
Dissociation: While individuals with PTSD may experience dissociation, it's typically related to the specific traumatic event. Dissociation is more prevalent in CPTSD, often becoming a coping mechanism to navigate ongoing trauma.
Emotional Dysregulation: In PTSD, emotional responses are often tied to the traumatic memory and may not extend beyond it. CPTSD is characterized by emotional dysregulation that affects various aspects of life and relationships.
Self-Identity and Relationships: Self-identity in PTSD may remain relatively intact, with symptoms primarily related to the traumatic incident. In CPTSD, self-esteem, self-worth, and the ability to form and maintain healthy relationships are profoundly impacted.
PTSD and C- PTSD Treatment
Recovery is possible. PSTD and C- PTSD do not have to be life sentences. Below are ways to heal from trauma. Healing does not happen in isolation. One of the most effective things you can do to heal is get professional help. Finding a trauma therapist is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength. Therapy can help you understand the effects of your trauma and how it has affected your life. You will learn you how to accept what you have been through.
Practice self-care
Self-care can feel hard and scary at first! Start with things that are interesting you. You might try something like meditating, exercising, journaling, or taking a long bath. You can also spend time with friends or family members who make you feel safe and secure. Setting boundaries and saying no is also a form of self-care.
EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy is a powerful tool for healing past trauma and restoring a sense of control to your life. If you are struggling with the effects of trauma, consider reaching out to a qualified EMDR therapist to learn more about this effective and transformative therapy. I would be happy to support you from my Westchester, NY-based counseling practice. I commonly see clients from Pleasantville, Chappaqua, Bedford, and Mt. Kisco, but I can see clients from anywhere in the state of New York. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:
Learn more about me
Start feeling lasting changes
It takes a lot of courage and perseverance to overcome PTSD and C- PTSD. Although there is no quick fix, recovery is possible. By remembering these tips, you can begin to cope with your trauma symptoms in the healthiest way.