C-PTSD: Causes, Symptoms and How to Deal with It
Hey there!
So, you've been hearing about C-PTSD. Even though it’s not a formal diagnosis in the DSM-V, it is authentic. So what is it?
It stands for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and it's PTSD with a few extra bells and whistles—just enough to make things a little more complicated. One of those bells is that people with C-PTSD tend to have an increased risk of developing other mental health conditions, including depression or anxiety disorders. In addition, they will often develop symptoms of PTSD at a younger age than people who are only diagnosed with PTSD. If you were abused or experienced trauma throughout your early life, then there is a good chance that you have some form of PTSD or C-PTSD—it's just that many people don't realize how many different types exist!
WHAT EXACTLY IS C-PTSD?
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing a prolonged or repeated traumatic event (1). People who have C-PTSD develop lasting symptoms that interfere with their ability to function normally. For example, they may experience dissociation (feeling detached from themselves), depression, anxiety, emotional numbness, anger, and emotional stability challenges. They also tend to have trouble maintaining healthy relationships and may avoid seeking help for their symptoms because they don't want to feel vulnerable again.
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a form of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that occurs when an individual has experienced chronic or severe trauma. In contrast, PTSD results from a single traumatic event.
What Are the Causes of C-PTSD
Here are some types of traumatic events that can cause complex PTSD (2):
Experiencing or witnessing violence repeatedly
Childhood abuse
Military/war experience
Torture or kidnapping
C-PTSD differs from PTSD in that it often co-occurs with depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. It also tends to be more chronic and debilitating than PTSD.
Symptoms of C-PTSD :
In addition to the symptoms typically associated with PTSD, individuals with complex PTSD may also experience other symptoms (2). These include:
Persistent sense of helplessness or hopelessness
Feeling permanently damaged or changed by the traumatic experience(s)
Disturbed sleep patterns (e.g., insomnia, nightmares)
Difficulty concentrating or remembering details about the traumatic event(s)
Emotional numbness or detachment from others
Avoidance of thoughts and feelings related to the traumatic event(s)
Self-destructive behavior (e.g., self-harm, suicide attempts)
C-PTSD symptoms can be similar to those of PTSD, but they tend to be more severe and long-lasting. But the main difference between the two is the frequency of the trauma. Complex PTSD is caused by a long-lasting trauma that lasts or repeats for months or even years. They may also come and go over time as you try to cope with what happened.
People with C-PTSD often struggle to form healthy relationships and maintain stable moods or emotions. They may feel depressed and anxious most of the time, have trouble sleeping well at night, and have flashbacks about what happened to them. They may also avoid situations that remind them of their trauma or try to numb themselves from what they are feeling.
HOW TO DEAL WITH C-PTSD
It can be challenging, but there are ways to help yourself. Here are some tips:
Keep track of your moods and triggers. This can help you understand what makes you feel better and can help you figure out what will work best for you in the future.
Do your research. Knowledge is power; the more you learn about C-PTSD, the better you will be equipped to understand what is happening and recognize signs and patterns in yourself.
Reach out to others when you're struggling. You don't have to do it alone! Even just talking through your feelings with someone else can help immensely.
Try to take care of yourself physically, too—it's not just your mind that needs tending! Eat well, sleep well, exercise regularly, stay hydrated, etc., if those things make sense to you (and maybe even if they don't).
If needed, seek professional help from a therapist or psychologist specializing in trauma-related disorders like C-PTSD so they can guide you through the process of healing from your past experiences and any current ones that may be affecting your life negatively right now too!
If you have complex PTSD, therapies such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing may be offered (3). Remember, Phoenix Rising Centers is here for you! You don’t have to do this hard work alone.
References:
Complex PTSD: Symptoms, Tests, Treatment, and Finding Support. [online] healthline.com. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/cptsd [Accessed 1 Jan. 1970].
Complex PTSD (CPTSD): Causes, symptoms, behaviors, recovery. [online] medicalnewstoday.com. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322886#symptoms [Accessed 1 Jan. 1970].
Complex PTSD - Post-traumatic stress disorder - NHS. [online] nhs.uk. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/complex/#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20complex%20PTSD,as%20depression%20or%20alcohol%20addiction [Accessed 1 Jan. 1970].