The term Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD might be something that is commonly heard. Less commonly heard is Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or CPTSD.
How is CPTSD Different Than PTSD?
The main differences between PTSD and CPTSD are the length of trauma and the symptoms. Both CPTSD and PTSD involve symptoms of psychological and behavioral stress responses, such as flashbacks, hypervigilance, and efforts to avoid distressing reminders of the traumatic event(s).
Complex trauma is a type of trauma that results from being exposed to multiple, prolonged, or repeated traumatic events, often in early childhood. These events can be interpersonal, such as abuse or neglect, or they can be non-interpersonal, such as war or natural disasters.
Complex trauma is different from single-event trauma in a few key ways:
- It is usually more chronic and enduring.
- It often occurs in the context of relationships with caregivers, which can make it even more difficult to heal.
- The effects of complex trauma can be more wide-ranging and debilitating, affecting a person's emotions, relationships, physical health, and sense of self.
The types of traumatic events that can cause complex PTSD include:
- childhood abuse, neglect, or abandonment
- ongoing domestic violence or abuse
- repeatedly witnessing violence or abuse
- being forced or manipulated into prostitution (trading sex)
- torture, kidnapping, or slavery
- being a prisoner of war.
You are more likely to develop complex PTSD if:
- you experienced trauma at an early age
- the trauma lasted for a long time
- escape or rescue were unlikely or impossible
- you have experienced multiple traumas
- you were harmed by someone close to you
CPTSD can also be confused with Borderline Personality disorder. They share several symptoms, including impulsive behavior, feelings of worthlessness, and difficulty forming lasting relationships. The main difference is that chronic trauma is the cause of CPTSD, whereas trauma might not be the cause of Borderline Personality Disorder.
Do You Think You Might Have CPTSD?
If you think you may have complex trauma, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand your experiences, develop coping skills to manage your symptoms and work on your goals. A therapist can also be a supportive person in your life.
Treatments for CPTSD.
These types of therapy have been proven helpful for treating CPTSD :
- Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT): This type of therapy helps people identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that are related to their trauma. TF-CBT also teaches people coping skills to manage stress and triggers. It also involves learning how your body responds to stress, managing symptoms, and identifying and reframing problematic thinking patterns.
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a therapy that helps people process traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment. During EMDR, Bilateral stimulation is used. Once you've identified a target, your therapist will guide you through a series of bilateral stimulation exercises. These exercises involve moving your eyes back and forth, listening to sounds that alternate between your left and right ears, or tapping your hands or feet alternately. EMDR is not a quick fix; it may take several sessions to see results. However, many people find that it can be a very effective way to heal from trauma and other emotional distress.
- Internal family systems (IFS): IFS is a therapy that helps people understand and heal from the different parts of their personality that were created in response to trauma. IFS can help people to develop a more compassionate and accepting relationship with themselves.
If you do have CPTSD, there are several things that you can do to take care of yourself in addition to going to therapy. Exercise can help to reduce stress and often works to boost your mood. Setting realistic goals for yourself and being gentle with yourself around these goals can help. A therapist can help you with goal setting as well. Attending a support group can help with common humanity and for you to recognize that you are not alone in experiencing trauma. Making sure to spend time with people you trust and talking with them about what triggers your symptoms can help you to feel less alone.
Why is Self-Compassion Important in Treating CPTSD?
It's also important to be patient as your symptoms may improve slowly, not all at once. Kristen Neff suggests practicing self-compassion. Self-compassion is treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a close friend going through a difficult time. It involves three key components: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Self-kindness means that you offer yourself understanding and acceptance and that it is okay to make mistakes. It is recognizing your struggles without judgment and speaking to yourself with warmth and care. Common humanity is understanding that suffering and imperfection are part of the human experience. This can help to reduce feelings of isolation and shame. Everyone has struggles, and self-compassion can help you to connect to that shared human experience. Mindfulness involves observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It can help you to respond with compassion rather than impulsivity.
Self-compassion offers many benefits. Some of those include reduced stress and anxiety, increased resilience and coping skills, improved self-esteem and confidence, stronger relationships, and greater motivation and goal achievement. Treating yourself with kindness and compassion will benefit many areas of your life and help you to feel better. A therapist can help support you as you work towards self-compassion.
It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating complex trauma. The best treatment plan for each individual will vary depending on their needs and experiences. It is important to work with a qualified mental health professional to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. If you're struggling with PTSD or CPTSD, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Trauma is painful, and you are not alone. Reach out to one of our therapists at Heartland to schedule an appointment at 816-287-0252. Or email us through our website. We're here for you and want to help you start to heal.
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