5 Signs Of Complex PTSD

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (also known as c-PTSD) is an anxiety illness that has many of the same symptoms as PTSD, as well as some other symptoms.

Prolonged or persistent trauma causes complex PTSD. C-PTSD is caused by repeated trauma over months or years instead of a single event. Almost everyone has been through at least one traumatic event in their life, and about 25% of them will develop PTSD. Nobody knows how many people actually suffer from severe PTSD.

PTSD vs. Complex PTSD

Both PTSD and C-PTSD are caused by a stressful event and can result in flashbacks, nightmares, and sleeplessness. Even when the danger has passed, these scenarios can make you feel extremely anxious and dangerous. Despite these similarities, some specialists believe there are traits that distinguish C-PTSD from PTSD.

The most significant distinction between the two disorders is the frequency of trauma. While a single traumatic incident brings on PTSD, C-PTSD is brought on by long-term trauma that lasts months or even years (commonly referred to as "complex trauma").

Complex trauma early in life has psychological and developmental implications that are typically more severe than a single traumatic event—so different, in fact, that many experts feel the PTSD diagnostic criteria don't sufficiently represent the wide-ranging, long-term consequences of C-PTSD.

Symptoms of Complex PTSD

In addition to the core PTSD symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal, C-PTSD symptoms typically include:

Difficulty controlling emotions

C-PTSD patients frequently lose control of their emotions, which can manifest as explosive anger, chronic sadness, depression, and suicide thoughts.

Negative self-view

C-PTSD can lead a person to have a poor perception of themselves. They could feel powerless, guilty, or embarrassed. They frequently have the impression of being utterly different from others.

Difficulty with relationships

Relationships may suffer as a result of a lack of confidence in others and a bad self-image. Because of their prior experiences, people with C-PTSD may avoid or develop toxic relationships.

Detachment from the trauma

Depersonalization is when a person loses touch with themselves and the world around them (derealisation). Some people may even forget about their trauma.

Loss of a system of meanings

This can include losing one's core views, morals, religious faith, or optimism in the world and in other people.

Coping With Complex PTSD

Because complex PTSD treatments can take a long time, it's critical to develop ways to manage and cope with the symptoms. Here are some tips to help you manage your recovery:

Find support

Complex PTSD, like PTSD, causes people to withdraw from their friends and family. Having a solid social support network, on the other hand, is critical for mental health. Reach out to a trustworthy friend or family member if you're feeling overwhelmed, angry, frightened, or afraid.

Practice mindfulness

Stress, anxiety, and sadness are all symptoms of complex PTSD. Mindfulness is a technique for becoming more aware of your feelings in the present moment and combating suffering. Learning to focus on the present moment is part of this practice.

Write down your thoughts

Writing in a journal has been shown to help manage PTSD symptoms and reduce flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and nightmares, according to research. In terms of treatment, keeping a journal might help you keep note of symptoms that you can address with your therapist later.

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