Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder | What You Need to Know

If you or someone you know is dealing with complex post-traumatic stress disorder, it can be challenging to fully grasp the impact it has.

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to give you all the knowledge you need to understand and face this condition head-on.

Don’t let CPTSD control your life – take charge and educate yourself today.

You’ve probably heard of PTSD, which stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

It’s a condition that can affect people who’ve been through very tough and scary experiences like 9-11, or natural disasters.

But did you know that there’s something called Complex PTSD or CPTSD?

Let’s break it down and learn about this condition and its symptoms.

What is Complex PTSD (CPTSD)?

CPTSD, short for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a bit different from regular PTSD.

While PTSD often comes from one huge traumatic event, like a tragic automobile accident or rape, CPTSD develops when someone suffers persistent trauma over a long period.

Think of it as a collection of traumas that all add up.

Because your PTSD is not the result of one event it can be difficult to identify the source of the trauma stress, you may even deny that you are living with traumatic stress altogether.

Now, let’s explore five common signs or symptoms of CPTSD|

Secondary Trauma Stress

A significant symptom of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is referred to as “secondary trauma stress.”

To understand this, imagine you’re in a role like a caregiver, a nurse caring for patients, or a mom looking after your children.

Now, picture this: you witness someone who has gone through a deeply distressing and traumatic event, and you find it challenging to keep your own emotions separate from theirs.

This is like catching someone else’s emotional storm – their fear, sadness, or pain – and suddenly, it feels like your emotions are on a turbulent rollercoaster.

In essence, it becomes challenging to distinguish between your own feelings and the emotions you’ve absorbed from others.

What makes CPTSD unique is that it often obscures the exact source of your own trauma.

Secondary trauma stress occurs when you’ve observed someone else’s severe distress and internalized their emotional turmoil, adding to your own emotional burden.

It’s like carrying an extra weight that isn’t yours to bear, and this is a key feature of CPTSD.

Emotion Regulation Difficulties

Another significant symptom of Complex PTSD (CPTSD) involves difficulties in handling emotions.

For some individuals, their feelings can seem like a rollercoaster, going from 0 to 100 in no time.

In simpler terms, it’s like a switch flipping, and their emotions become intense and hard to manage.

This struggle to control feelings is a common challenge for people with CPTSD.

Think of it this way: imagine trying to steer a speeding car with a broken steering wheel.

You’d find it really tough to keep the car on the road, right? Similarly, individuals with CPTSD may find it challenging to steer their emotions in the right direction.

It’s important to understand that these intense emotions can be overwhelming, and it’s not the person’s fault.

It’s a part of CPTSD, a condition that often arises from enduring difficult experiences over an extended period.

This difficulty with emotion regulation can impact daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.

The inability to regulate emotions highlights that people with CPTSD often face a daily battle with their own emotions.

The good news is that with the proper tools and guidance, individuals with CPTSD can work towards better managing their emotions and finding greater stability in their lives.

Guilt and Shame

The third symptom of CPTSD is the experience of intense guilt and shame.

Picture this: if you were treated badly, left without care, or abandoned when you were a child, it can lead to profound feelings of wrongdoing and embarrassment.

Sometimes, the source of this pain isn’t crystal clear. It’s like searching for the root of a problem in a maze of emotions.

In some instances, the mind takes a protective role. It can make you forget some of the hard experiences by erasing certain memories to shield you from the pain.

This can be compared to a self-defense mechanism, where the mind acts like a guardian, locking away those distressing memories to preserve your emotional well-being.

The presence of guilt and shame is like carrying a heavy burden on your shoulders, making every step a bit harder.

It’s important to understand that these emotions are not your fault; they’re the consequences of traumatic experiences. 

Trust Issues

Individuals dealing with Complex PTSD (CPTSD) frequently grapple with trust issues. They may experience heightened anxiety, persistent unease, or even moments of paranoia.

These emotions often accompany the condition, making it challenging to establish and maintain trusting relationships.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that there are solutions to address these trust-related difficulties.

One such option is the use of a drug-free device known as Calmigo.

Scientifically proven, Calmigo can alleviate anxiety and panic in less than three minutes.

This tool can be a valuable resource for those dealing with emotional distress.

By acknowledging these challenges and exploring available tools like Calmigo, individuals with CPTSD can take meaningful steps toward improving their mental and emotional well-being. 

Fear and Confusion in Relationships

Lastly, when your trauma stems from being hurt by those you were closest to, it becomes challenging to form and maintain healthy relationships.

The pain inflicted by loved ones can leave deep emotional scars, making it difficult to trust others.

It’s like trying to open your heart when it’s still healing.

This fear and confusion can lead to pushing new people away. Imagine it as building a protective wall around yourself to shield against the possibility of further hurt.

This shield, however, can become a barrier to forming meaningful connections with new friends or partners.

The underlying worry that new relationships might bring more pain can create a cycle of isolation and emotional turmoil.

But it’s essential to know that healing is possible, and it starts with acknowledging these fears. 

Join The Conversation

CPTSD is a complex condition that can affect people who’ve gone through many tough times over a long period.

If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you know, it’s essential to talk to a mental health professional.

You don’t have to go through it alone. By understanding CPTSD and its symptoms, we can support each other and work towards healing and recovery.

Please share your experiences in the comments to let others know they’re not alone.

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