Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is a condition that can develop in people who have been exposed to long-term, repeated traumatic events. C-PTSD is different from PTSD because it involves additional symptoms that are not typically seen in PTSD. These symptoms can include:
Avoiding Reminders of the Event
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is a condition that can develop in people who have been exposed to prolonged or repeated trauma, such as that experienced in child abuse, domestic violence, or war. C-PTSD is characterized by a range of symptoms that can include difficulty regulating emotions, negative self-beliefs, and feeling isolated and detached from others. People with C-PTSD may also experience flashbacks and intrusive memories of the traumatic event or events.
Because C-PTSD can develop after exposure to multiple traumas, it is often referred to as “complex” PTSD. The term “complex” refers to the fact that the disorder develops in response to multiple traumas, rather than a single event.
C-PTSD is different from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in several ways. First, while PTSD can develop after exposure to a single traumatic event, C-PTSD typically occurs after exposure to multiple traumas. Second, the symptoms of C-PTSD tend to be more severe and longer lasting than those of PTSD. Finally, people with C-PTSD often have difficulty regulating their emotions and may experience dissociation (a sense of detachment from one’s body or environment).
One of the most common symptoms of C-PTSD is avoidance behavior. Avoidance behaviors are any actions taken by an individual to avoid reminders of the trauma or anything associated with it. Avoidance behaviors can range from simple things like avoiding certain places or activities that remind them of the trauma to more complex avoidance behaviors such as numbing oneself emotionally or withdrawing from social interactions altogether.
People with C-PTSD may also experience negative self-beliefs and feelings of isolation and detachments from others. These individuals may believe that they are somehow responsible for the trauma or that they are not worthy of love or support from others. They may also feel disconnected from their own emotions and physical sensations as well as those around them.
Memory Loss
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is a condition that can develop in response to prolonged or repeated trauma. It is similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the symptoms are more severe and last longer.
C-PTSD affects a person’s ability to function in day-to-day life. It can cause problems with self-esteem, relationships, work, and physical health. People with C-PTSD may feel isolated, depressed, and hopeless. They may struggle to trust other people or feel safe in the world.
Nightmares or flashbacks of the trauma 3. avoidance of people, places, or things that remind them of the trauma 4. negative changes in thinking and mood including feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless.
Negative Thoughts About Self and the World
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is a condition that can develop in people who have repeatedly experienced trauma, particularly if the trauma was severe, prolonged, and involved a violation of their personal integrity or sense of self. C-PTSD is marked by symptoms that fall into three broad categories:
Negative thoughts and feelings about oneself and the world
People with C-PTSD may feel that they are bad, worthless, or unlovable. They may see themselves as helpless victims and believe that the world is dangerous and unpredictable. These negative beliefs can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness.
Difficulty regulating emotions
People with C-PTSD often have trouble managing their emotions effectively. They may swing from one extreme emotional state to another or numb themselves emotionally in an attempt to avoid feeling pain. This emotional dysregulation can lead to problems with relationships, work, and daily functioning. It can also increase the risk for self-harm and suicide attempts.
Self-Isolation; Feeling Distant
It’s not unusual for people who have been through a traumatic experience to feel disconnected from the world around them. Self-isolation can be a way of coping with the overwhelming emotions and memories that come with complex PTSD.
For some, self-isolation may look like withdrawing from friends and family, or avoiding social situations altogether. Others may find themselves preoccupied with their own thoughts and feelings, to the point where they don’t feel like they can connect with others.
There are many reasons why someone might start to self-isolate after experiencing trauma. It can be a way of protecting yourself from further hurt, or it may be that you simply don’t trust anyone anymore. It’s also common to feel like you’re not really part of the world anymore, as if you’re living in a different reality to everyone else. This can make it hard to relate to other people and make small talk seem meaningless.
If you’re finding it hard to connect with others or feeling like you want to withdraw from the world, it’s important to reach out for help. There are many support groups and counseling services available for people who have been through trauma. Talking about your experiences can be incredibly helpful in managing the symptoms of complex PTSD and helping you feel more connected to the world around you again.
Anger and Irritability
There are a number of different ways in which an individual with C-PTSD may express their anger and irritability. For some, it may manifest as physical aggression or violence towards others. Others may direct their anger inwards, through self-harm or substance abuse. And still others may exhibit passive aggressive behaviours, such as sulking or withdrawing from social interactions.
Whatever the form it takes, uncontrolled anger can be extremely damaging to both the individual with C-PTSD and those around them. It can lead to further isolation and feelings of worthlessness, as well as jeopardising relationships and employment opportunities. If you’re struggling to control your anger, it’s important to seek professional help from a therapist who specialises in treating C-PTSD. With treatment, you can learn how to manage your emotions more effectively and live a happier, healthier life.
Reduced Interest in Favorite Activities
Many people who have complex PTSD find that their interests change. They may no longer enjoy activities that they once loved. This can be frustrating and make it difficult to find things to do that bring joy. It’s important to find new hobbies and activities that can help fill the void left by lost interests. There are many online resources and support groups available for people dealing with this symptom of complex PTSD.
It’s also important to keep in mind that interests may come and go as healing progresses. What someone is interested in today may not be what they’re interested in tomorrow. It’s important to be flexible and open to trying new things. The most important thing is to focus on finding joy and meaning in life again after experiencing trauma.