Understanding Complex PTSD

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a mental health condition that arises from prolonged exposure to traumatic events, particularly those that occur during childhood or over extended periods. Unlike PTSD, which typically results from a single traumatic incident, C-PTSD stems from ongoing trauma, such as chronic abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. Understanding C-PTSD and recognizing its symptoms is crucial for offering the right support to those affected by it.

Common Symptoms of C-PTSD

The symptoms of C-PTSD are similar to those of PTSD but with additional features related to the prolonged nature of the trauma. Here are some of the most common symptoms someone with C-PTSD may experience:

1. Emotional Dysregulation: Individuals with C-PTSD often struggle with managing their emotions. They may experience intense feelings of anger, sadness, or anxiety that are difficult to control, leading to emotional outbursts or a sense of being overwhelmed.

2. Negative Self-Perception: A pervasive sense of worthlessness, guilt, or shame is common. Those with C-PTSD may internalize the abuse or neglect they’ve endured, leading to a negative self-image and low self-esteem.

3. Difficulty with Relationships: C-PTSD can severely impact a person’s ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. They might struggle with trust, fear of abandonment, or have difficulty with intimacy. These challenges often stem from the disrupted attachment experiences during their traumatic events.

4. Avoidance and Numbness: Similar to PTSD, individuals with C-PTSD may avoid situations, people, or places that remind them of their trauma. Additionally, they might experience emotional numbness, where they feel disconnected from their emotions or surroundings.

5. Hypervigilance: Constantly being on edge or feeling a heightened sense of danger is another hallmark symptom. This can lead to difficulty relaxing, sleeping, or concentrating due to an overactive fight-or-flight response.

6. Intrusive Thoughts and Flashbacks: Individuals with C-PTSD may experience intrusive thoughts about their trauma, which can manifest as vivid memories or emotional flashbacks that make them feel as if they are reliving the traumatic experience. Emotional flashbacks, unlike regular flashbacks, don’t have an image attached to them, which makes them very difficult to recognize. You may react to events in the present, as if they are causing these feelings, without realizing that you are having a flashback.

Supporting Someone with C-PTSD

Supporting someone with C-PTSD requires empathy, patience, and understanding. Here are some ways to offer meaningful support:

1. Listen Without Judgment: Offer a non-judgmental space where the person can share their feelings and experiences. Listening without trying to fix their problems or offering unsolicited advice is vital in making them feel heard and valued.

2. Encourage Professional Help: While your support is crucial, it’s important to encourage them to seek professional help, such as therapy with a trauma-informed therapist who can offer specialized care.

3. Be Patient: Recovery from C-PTSD is a long and non-linear process. Be patient and understand that setbacks are a part of healing. Avoid pressuring them to "move on" or "get over it."

4. Respect Their Boundaries: Individuals with C-PTSD may have specific triggers or boundaries that are important for their sense of safety. Always respect these and avoid pushing them into situations that make them uncomfortable.

5. Educate Yourself: Understanding C-PTSD and its impact can help you be a better support system. Educating yourself about trauma, its effects, and coping strategies can make you more empathetic and effective in your support.

6. Offer Stability and Predictability: People with C-PTSD often feel safer when their environment is stable and predictable. Being consistent in your actions and words can provide a sense of security that is often lacking in their lives.

By recognizing the symptoms of C-PTSD and offering the right support, you can help individuals on their journey toward healing and recovery.

For the month of August, Movement Genius is proud to partner with The Healing and CPTSD Foundation, who is dedicated to creating a secure and nurturing environment for survivors of complex trauma. Their mission is to build a supportive community, address key challenges, and ensure that no survivor is left behind due to isolation, lack of support, or financial constraints. The organization and their leadership are
committed to reducing stigma, connecting survivors, and providing essential resources for ongoing healing.