What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event(s). Traumatic events can include things like sexual assault, wars, natural disasters, accidents, being the target of oppression or racism, or any other event that is perceived as life-threatening or emotionally distressing. You can also develop trauma symptoms after hearing about how a loved one or someone you may share identities with has experienced a traumatic event(s). Trauma impacts people in different ways, and some individuals are more susceptible to developing PTSD than others.

The primary symptoms of PTSD can be grouped into four categories:

  1. Intrusion Symptoms

    • Recurrent, intrusive, and distressing memories of the traumatic event.

    • Distressing dreams related to the trauma.

    • Flashbacks, where you feel like you are reliving the traumatic event.

    • Severe emotional distress or physical reactions when reminded of the trauma.

  2. Avoidance Symptoms

    • Efforts to avoid reminders of the trauma, such as avoiding places, people, or activities associated with the event.

    • Avoidance of thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event.

    • Feeling emotionally numb or detached from others.

    • A sense of a limited future, like you don't expect to live a normal life span.

  3. Negative Changes in Mood and Cognition

    • Negative thoughts and feelings about oneself or others.

    • Inability to experience positive emotions.

    • Feeling emotionally numb or detached.

    • Difficulty in maintaining close relationships.

    • Memory problems, particularly with regard to the traumatic event.

  4. Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms

    • Irritability, anger, or aggressive behavior.

    • Hyper vigilance, where you are constantly on guard for threats.

    • Exaggerated startle response.

    • Problems with concentration and sleep disturbances

What is Complex Trauma or Complex PTSD?

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a psychological condition that can develop in people who have experienced prolonged and repeated trauma throughout their lives, often in the context of interpersonal relationships or due to historical and systemic issues. While it shares some similarities with classic PTSD, some differences distinguish it.

C-PTSD is often associated with situations where an individual has endured chronic and recurring trauma over an extended period. Some examples include but are not limited to the following:

  • Childhood Abuse: This can include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse experienced during childhood, which can often occur within a family or familiar setting.

  • Domestic Violence: Survivors of abusive relationships (not limited to physical abuse) where the abuse occurred over an extended period may develop C-PTSD.

  • Childhood Neglect: Prolonged neglect, where a child's emotional or physical needs are consistently unmet, can contribute to C-PTSD.

C-PTSD can manifest with symptoms similar to PTSD, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hyperarousal. However, it can also often include additional symptoms and challenges, including:

  • Emotional Disregulation: Difficulty managing and regulating emotions can lead to mood swings and emotional reactivity.

  • Disturbances in Self-Identity: A compromised sense of self, identity and worth, often stemming from a prolonged experience of powerlessness and victimization.

  • Chronic Shame and Guilt: A persistent feeling of shame, guilt, and worthlessness, often related to the trauma and its effects.

  • Difficulty in Relationships: Struggles in forming and maintaining healthy relationships, including trust issues and difficulties with attachment.

  • Dissociation: Experiencing periods of detachment from reality, oneself or one's surroundings to cope with overwhelming emotions or memories.

  • Somatic Symptoms: Physical symptoms and health problems that may be linked to the stress and trauma experienced.