What is C-PTSD and What Are the Signs?

Complex trauma is trauma that happens in childhood. It's ongoing and because it's not extreme abuse or neglect...

What is C-PTSD

Complex trauma is trauma that happens in childhood. It's ongoing and it usually occurs within our relationships. Because it's not extreme abuse or neglect, we end up thinking that what happened was normal and it's not until adulthood that we realise that some of these patterns were dysfunctional.

Perhaps you grew up in an environment where your emotional reality was minimised or denied, perhaps you grew up in an environment where no-one had time for you and what you were interested in, or an environment where there was explosive anger or a push-pull dynamic between two or more of these, or other, scenarios. The lack of certainly/safety in these environments can lead to C-PTSD. The following are common adaptations to insecure or unsafe childhood relationships or environments.

So what are three signs of complex trauma or CPTSD?

Chronic dissociation

This is where you're physically present, but mentally and emotionally you're gone. It’s like living on your spaceship. If you're around adults who couldn't regulate their own emotions, or if you were left alone physically or emotionally, you learn that you have to fend for yourself.

So disconnecting is the only way that you can deal with those overwhelming emotions. If the present moment isn't ever safe, if your body isn't ever safe, You end up dissociating or disconnecting as a way to protect yourself.

2. Hopelessness.

This is when you feel numb, detached, you lack motivation, you end up thinking what's the point, why bother, or generally you feel disconnected from life. These are actually signs that your nervous system is shut down.

When you have parents who have explosive arguments, are disconnected or distracted entirely or if the environment you grew up in was stressful or chaotic, you learn that adults can't be trusted to keep you safe. The safest thing that you can do as a child is to shut down, accepting that you don't have any power and giving up any hope for the situation to change. So of course you end up feeling hopeless.

3. Relationship discontent.

This is feelings of overall confusion or overwhelm in relationships.

You might go from feeling smothered in your relationships, anxious all the time, or maybe some moments you feel super committed and in other moments you question the relationship entirely. You find yourself looking around at other people in relationships who seem at ease, who seem comfortable, and this doesn't happen for you. So you end up worrying that it means that something's wrong with you.

What it really means is that relationships don't feel safe or secure. And if relationships don't feel safe or secure, of course you end up struggling with connection.

If you can relate to any of the signs above, know that they are very common. If you're beating yourself up or if you're feeling shameful, these are actually signs of complex trauma. They're pointing you in the direction of places that you can heal.

If this is you, and you’d like some support in making positive change in your life where you feel more connected to yourself and to others, my course, ‘Taming the Inner Critic’ is a wonderful starting point.

Bringing together understandings through relational neuroscience, connection and healing through non-violent communication, mindfulness and somatic experiences along with powerful tools based in positive psychology, this strong, trauma informed approach holds you with clarity and safety. I invite you to join me today for real change.

https://soletosoulreflections....

Aroha nui

Jean