Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is a severe form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that occurs in response to prolonged or repeated trauma. Unlike PTSD, which often stems from a single traumatic event, C-PTSD develops after exposure to multiple traumatic experiences, typically in childhood or within situations that involve ongoing abuse, neglect, or captivity. These situations might include domestic violence, prolonged childhood abuse, or living in a war zone.
While the symptoms of PTSD are well-known and can manifest as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance, C-PTSD involves additional, more pervasive symptoms that can severely impact an individual’s ability to function. At Infinity Recovery, we understand the unique struggles individuals with C-PTSD face and the need for comprehensive, compassionate treatment. In this blog, we will explore the 17 symptoms commonly associated with Complex PTSD and how they can affect daily life.
Reliving the Trauma (Intrusive Memories)
Similar to PTSD, one of the hallmark symptoms of C-PTSD is intrusive memories of the traumatic events. These memories can surface unexpectedly, often triggered by sights, sounds, or smells that remind the person of their trauma. Flashbacks, in which individuals feel as though they are reliving the event, can also occur. These moments can be extremely distressing and interfere with daily functioning.
Emotional Numbness
People with C-PTSD may experience emotional numbness, where they feel detached from their emotions, or unable to experience positive feelings like joy or love. This disconnection is often a protective mechanism to avoid the overwhelming emotions associated with the trauma. Unfortunately, it can lead to difficulty forming or maintaining close relationships.
Hypervigilance
Hypervigilance refers to an ongoing state of being “on edge,” always scanning for potential threats or danger. People with C-PTSD might feel jumpy, constantly on guard, or experience a heightened startle response. This persistent sense of danger can lead to anxiety, exhaustion, and difficulty focusing.
Avoidance of Reminders of Trauma
Individuals with C-PTSD often go to great lengths to avoid reminders of the trauma they experienced. This might include avoiding places, people, activities, or even thoughts that trigger memories of the trauma. While avoidance may provide temporary relief, it can prevent healing and create barriers to recovery.
Difficulty Trusting Others
A core symptom of C-PTSD is a deep mistrust of others. Individuals may have trouble believing that others are trustworthy or that people will not betray or harm them. This can lead to strained relationships, isolation, and an overall sense of being unsafe in the world.
Low Self-Worth
A history of repeated trauma can lead individuals with C-PTSD to feel worthless, flawed, or unlovable. They may blame themselves for the trauma they endured, believing they are deserving of the abuse or neglect. These feelings of low self-worth can hinder recovery and contribute to depression and self-destructive behavior.
Feelings of Shame and Guilt
Shame and guilt are common emotions for individuals with C-PTSD. They may feel ashamed of their responses to trauma, believing that they should have been stronger or more resilient. Guilt may stem from believing they could have done something to prevent the abuse or from feeling that they are burdening others with their struggles.
Difficulty Regulating Emotions
People with C-PTSD often experience emotional dysregulation, meaning they have trouble managing their emotions in a balanced way. This can manifest as sudden mood swings, feelings of rage, sadness, or anxiety, or becoming overwhelmed by seemingly small stressors. These intense emotions can disrupt daily life and relationships.
Sense of Hopelessness
A pervasive sense of hopelessness is another symptom of C-PTSD. Individuals may feel as though things will never get better, and that recovery is out of reach. This sense of despair can lead to depression and a lack of motivation to engage in healing or self-care.
Difficulty with Relationships
C-PTSD can significantly impact relationships. Trust issues, emotional numbness, and avoidance of intimacy can all make it difficult to form or maintain close bonds with others. Individuals may push others away or feel that they are unworthy of love or support, leading to loneliness and isolation.
Self-Destructive Behaviors
Individuals with C-PTSD may engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse, self-harm, or reckless actions. These behaviors may be attempts to numb emotional pain or regain a sense of control over their circumstances. Unfortunately, they often exacerbate feelings of guilt, shame, and hopelessness.
Flashbacks and Dissociation
Flashbacks — vivid, overwhelming memories of the trauma — are common in C-PTSD. These can feel as though the trauma is happening again in the present, causing distress and confusion. Dissociation, which involves a sense of detachment from reality or one’s body, can also occur as a way of coping with overwhelming emotions or memories.
Feeling Detached or Isolated
A common symptom of C-PTSD is emotional and physical detachment from the world around you. This can feel like you’re watching life from the outside or that you don’t belong. People with C-PTSD may withdraw from social interactions, isolate themselves, and struggle to connect with others.
Chronic Physical Symptoms
Individuals with C-PTSD often experience chronic physical symptoms, such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, chronic pain, or sleep disturbances. These physical symptoms are often a manifestation of the emotional and psychological stress caused by prolonged trauma.
Distorted Perceptions of the Trauma
In some cases, individuals with C-PTSD may have distorted memories of the trauma they endured. They may feel that they are to blame for the abuse or that the trauma was somehow inevitable. These distorted perceptions can perpetuate feelings of shame and guilt, making recovery more difficult.
Difficulty Concentrating or Focusing
C-PTSD can impair cognitive function, leading to difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or a feeling of “brain fog.” This can make it challenging to complete tasks or make decisions, leading to frustration and further distress.
Avoidance of Intimacy and Emotional Vulnerability
Due to the traumatic experiences and the resulting lack of trust, individuals with C-PTSD may avoid emotional vulnerability and intimacy. They may fear getting hurt or rejected, so they avoid opening up to others or being close to people. This can lead to a deep sense of loneliness and isolation.
Treatment for Complex PTSD
While living with C-PTSD can feel overwhelming, it is important to know that healing is possible. Effective treatment options are available to help individuals manage their symptoms and regain control of their lives.
At Infinity Recovery, we offer comprehensive treatment programs that address the complex needs of those with C-PTSD. Our approach combines therapy, medication, and holistic practices to help individuals build coping skills, process past trauma, and work toward emotional well-being.
Some effective treatments for C-PTSD include:
- Trauma-Focused Therapy: Approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are highly effective in addressing trauma and its long-term impact.
- Group Therapy: Group therapy provides a safe space for individuals to connect with others who have had similar experiences, which can reduce feelings of isolation and increase feelings of validation.
- Medication: Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or mood stabilizers may be used to help manage symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or sleep issues.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises can help reduce the physical symptoms of stress and support emotional regulation.