Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after prolonged or repeated trauma, such as ongoing abuse, neglect, or captivity. Unlike PTSD, which often follows a single traumatic event, C-PTSD arises from situations where a person feels trapped or powerless over time, affecting how they see themselves and relate to others. It often results from chronic childhood abuse, severe neglect, long-term domestic violence, or other situations of prolonged trauma.
Common Symptoms of Complex PTSD
- ✓Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
- ✓Avoiding trauma reminders or thoughts
- ✓Hypervigilance or being easily startled
- ✓Intense or hard-to-control emotions
- ✓Low self-worth, shame, or guilt
- ✓Difficulty trusting or connecting with others
- ✓Feeling detached from self or reality
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as an accident, natural disaster, violence, or combat. It is characterized by ongoing distress and fear long after the danger has passed, affecting how a person thinks, feels, and responds to the world around them.
Common Symptoms of PTSD
- ✓Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
- ✓Avoiding reminders or triggers
- ✓Guilt, shame, or feeling detached
- ✓Hypervigilance, sleep problems, or being easily startled
- ✓Trouble concentrating or staying present
PTSD vs. C-PTSD: Key Differences in Symptoms
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- ✓Re-experiencing trauma (flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts)
- ✓Avoidance of reminders or triggers
- ✓Negative changes in thoughts and mood (guilt, fear, detachment)
- ✓Hyperarousal (irritability, difficulty sleeping, exaggerated startle response)
- ✓Trouble concentrating or staying present
Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- ✓Emotional dysregulation (intense anger, sadness, or numbness)
- ✓Persistent negative self-concept (shame, guilt, feelings of worthlessness)
- ✓Interpersonal difficulties (struggles with trust, isolation, or unhealthy relationships)
- ✓Dissociation or feeling disconnected from self/reality
- ✓Long-term impact on identity and sense of meaning
Therapy Approaches for PTSD & C-PTSD
Sensorimotor Therapy
Learn more about Sensorimotor TherapySomatic Experiencing
Learn more about Somatic ExperiencingInternal Family System (IFS)
Learn more about Internal Family System (IFS)Restore Your Sense of Self
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