Could You Have C-PTSD? How to Recognize the Signs
- Through Therapy
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is a condition that arises from prolonged trauma, specifically trauma that was experienced in childhood that was never fully healed.
Unlike traditional PTSD, which is typically associated with a singular event, C-PTSD stems from repeated trauma exposure over time. Many people live with C-PTSD without even realizing.
What Is C-PTSD?
It is a psychological condition that shares similarities with PTSD but includes additional symptoms unique to prolonged trauma.
It often results from chronic emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, neglect, or living in fear or instability.
Toxic relationships that often include narcissistic or abusive partners/caregivers may also contribute to the development of C-PTSD.
While it is often linked to childhood trauma, adults who ensure long-term abuse, captivity, or oppression may also develop this diagnosis.
The effects of C-PTSD are deeply rooted, and may disrupt emotional regulation, a sense of identity, and the ability to trust others.
Key Signs and Symptoms of C-PTSD
Complex trauma can present in various ways, often affecting emotional well-being, behavior, and relationships.
1. Emotional Dysregulation
Struggling to manage intense emotions, such as anger or sadness, in seemingly minor situations.
Feeling overwhelmed by emotions and not understanding why.
Experiencing emotional numbness or detachment from reality as a way to cope.
2. Negative Self-Image
Having feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness that stems from blaming yourself for the trauma.
Believing that you are undeserving of love and happiness.
Viewing yourself as powerless or weak.
3. Difficulty with Relationships
Struggling to trust others due to fears of betrayal or pain.
Experiencing a tendency to either avoid or become overly dependent on others in relationships.
Reenacting past trauma in current relationships and developing unhealthy patterns of behavior.
4. Intrusive Thoughts and Flashbacks
Reliving trauma experiences through nightmares, vivid memories, or flashbacks.
Experiencing distressing, intrusive thoughts that disrupt daily life and take over your mind.
Avoiding certain places, people, or situations that remind you of the trauma or where you re-experience the negative feelings.
5. Loss of a Sense of Self
Feeling disconnected from yourself, your surroundings, or your memories, as if you don’t know who you truly are.
Experiencing difficulty with expressing your needs or setting boundaries.
Not having any personal interests or hobbies, or not finding joy in pleasurable activities.
How to Recognize If You Have C-PTSD
Recognizing complex trauma requires introspection and self-awareness.
1. Reflect on Your History
Reflect on your personal experiences and if you’ve experienced trauma, particularly during childhood or in situations where you feel you could not escape. Acknowledge whether these experiences involved abuse, neglect, or instability.
2. Assess Current Challenges
Identify whether you struggle with self-esteem, trust, or regulating emotions. Note any reoccurring patterns of unhealthy behaviors or feelings of intense fear.
3. Listen to Your Body
Trauma is actually stored in the body, and can present as chronic, physical pain like muscle tension, fatigue, or digestive issues. Notice if your body reacts strongly to stressors or perceived dangers.
What to Do If You Suspect C-PTSD
1. Build a Support Network
Connect with trusted family or friends who provide emotional safety and understanding. If you feel you do not have a solid support team, consider joining a trauma support group to form connections and share your experiences with others.
2. Educate Yourself
Do personal research, reach out to professionals, and read books about complex trauma to better understand your experiences. Knowledge can be a powerful tool, and understanding what is happening with you is the first step towards healing.
3. Set Realistic Goals
Be patient with yourself and remember that healing is gradual process. Focus on small, manageable tasks toward recovery rather than expecting immediate results.
Reach out to a therapist who specializes in trauma recovery. In trauma therapy sessions, you can work on emotional processing and coping strategies to help you feel safe and secure. Scheduling a consultation is a great first step on your path to healing.
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