How CPTSD is Different From Other Types of Trauma
Most people have a basic understanding of PTSD and what it looks like. While the effects can be different for everyone, the stigmas behind the condition have been largely dropped over the years. Still, many people associate PTSD with virtually every type of trauma, and that isn’t always the case.
Post-traumatic stress disorder impacts more than just soldiers coming back from a battleground. It can cause anyone to deal with negative emotions and situations that trigger fear. Beyond “traditional” PTSD, it’s important to know about Complex PTSD (CPTSD) and how it differs from other types of trauma.
Whether you’ve never heard of CPTSD or you want to learn more about it, keep reading.
What is CPTSD?
Complex PTSD refers to repeated trauma. Events that often lead to CPTSD include repeated violence or abuse, child abuse, or kidnapping. It’s often experienced by younger people with an ongoing history of trauma, but anyone who has been emotionally or physically abused or tortured can struggle with its effects.
It’s important to understand the difference between CPTSD and other types of trauma because the treatment shifts. A mental health professional might work with someone who has experienced CPTSD differently than they would with a “traditional” trauma victim.
But, it’s not uncommon for those who have been through repeated trauma to try to repress those memories or avoid triggering situations. That’s why understanding some of the most common symptoms of CPTSD can help.
What to Look For
If you’re struggling with past experiences but you’re not sure how to label it, consider some of the most common symptoms of CPTSD, including:
Frequent flashbacks or nightmares
Difficulty sleeping
Avoiding people or situations that trigger your trauma memories
Feeling distant from others
Feeling easily irritated
Some of those symptoms are similar to what you might experience with regular PTSD, but the long-term effects are quite different.
People with CPTSD often have trouble maintaining relationships. They often have a hard time managing their own emotions, and regularly struggle with guilt, shame, and self-esteem. Those feelings can even lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
In some cases, the symptoms of CPTSD can manifest themselves physically. Those with the condition might experience frequent chest pains, headaches, or nausea. Unfortunately, that often leads to a vicious cycle of anxiety.
Treatment Differences
Someone with CPTSD will usually benefit from all of the standard PTSD therapy options. That includes options like EMDR and CBT.
Additionally, people with the condition need to work on building life skills to regain a sense of normalcy and balance. It’s important for them to address and acknowledge their feelings of guilt or shame, so they can work through them. Learning how to manage emotions and engage in strong, healthy relationships is also an important part of the treatment process.
Because so much more is required, CPTSD treatment often takes longer. It can be an especially long process if you’re working through traumatic events that occurred in childhood. In those cases, you have to learn how to change long-term thoughts and habits that you may have been carrying with you for a lifetime.
The most important thing is to get properly diagnosed and treated, whether you have PTSD or CPTSD. Knowing the differences and working with a professional who knows how to handle those differences will help the treatment process go as smoothly as possible.
If you think you might be dealing with CPTSD, don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Feel free to contact me for more information on trauma or to set up an appointment as soon as possible.