What you want to know about C-PTSD

We hear about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) all the time on social media and in our favorite shows. We know that some horrible or distressing event occurs and that PTSD encompasses our reactions and symptoms related to that single or few events or experiences. While having one or two distressing or traumatizing occurrences is the valid experience of some, there are many of us whose trauma was played out consistently and painfully throughout long periods of time or even our whole upbringing. In this case, Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, also known as C-PTSD, may better define our experiences and symptoms. 

What is C-PTSD?

C-PTSD is a mental health condition that develops when an individual has experienced repeated, long-term or chronic trauma. Most often, we see C-PTSD in children who have experienced long-term abuse, but it can develop in adulthood as well. Some research also suggests that the trauma that was inflicted in these cases is commonly caused by someone in a caretaker or trusting role. Some experiences that may make us more likely to develop this condition include:

• Parental physical or emotional abuse throughout childhood

• Ongoing domestic abuse and violence 

• Exposure to physical or emotional abuse in the family system throughout childhood

• Long-term sexual abuse

• Dangerous living conditions or environments (war, homelessness, areas with high crime)

• Kidnapping or slavery 

• Escape from the trauma was difficult or impossible

What does C-PTSD look like?

Like PTSD, those with these conditions often experience stress responses in the forms of anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of triggers, people, and places, aggressiveness or impulsivity, and difficulty in sustaining healthy relationships. Individuals with C-PTSD may also experience additional symptoms of:

• Struggling to manage your emotions

• Experiencing intense anger or distrust toward the world

• Persistent feelings of shame, guilt, emptiness or hopelessness

• Believing you are permanently damaged or worthless

• Feeling fundamentally different from others

• Thinking that no one can understand your experiences

• Avoiding or having difficulty with friendships and relationships

• Frequently having dissociative symptoms like depersonalization or derealization

• Suffering from physical symptoms like headaches, dizziness, chest pains, and stomach aches

• Experiencing distorted perceptions of the perpetrator of the abuse

• Thoughts of suicide 

While C-PTSD is not yet a formal diagnosis, the research and described symptomatology is something that many of us feel we can better relate to. If you find that you can relate to some or all of these symptoms, therapy with Sunlight Psychotherapy can support you on your journey to healing.

What now?

Chronic trauma can affect us in so many more ways than we realize and can convince us that our experiences solely define the quality of our lives. Many of us only realize how intensely these symptoms impact us and those around us once we are trying to enter or maintain relationships or are finally in a safe environment. For many who experienced long-term trauma in childhood, it is important to recognize through therapy and healing relationships that what happened to us did, in fact, impact our development and the way we view the world, but more importantly, how we view ourselves. 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS), as well as restoring the mind and body connection through dance, movement, or mindfulness are all ways that you and your psychotherapist can manage your CPTSD symptoms together. There are proven ways to improve the quality of your life and to help you feel in control of your CPTSD symptoms, rather than them controlling you. 

Seek Support

The instability in regulating our emotions, our pessimism and distrust in the world and those around us, and the never-ending bullying from our inner voice are symptoms that do not need to last forever with the proper nurturing and treatment.

With the guidance of Sunlight Psychotherapy and the support of loved ones, true healing, both for your body and mind, is possible. Learn more about EMDR and the trauma therapy services I offer, or contact me to schedule a free consultation and start your journey to healing from the darkness and finding your light.

Written by Samantha R. Kishner, MHC-LP for Sunlight Psychotherapy.
Reviewed by Jenice Acosta, LCSW