Mental Health

Understanding Complex PTSD

This condition is often confused with borderline personality disorder.

CPTSD — Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Not many people discuss CPTSD. PTSD is far more talked about. Although they have many similarities, those who suffer from CPTSD have more severe problems in relationships, difficulty regulating emotions, and a negative sense of self. CPTSD is often confused with borderline personality disorder because they share many traits. Both can stem from childhood abuse or neglect.

The biggest difference is that CPTSD is a result of prolonged, repeated trauma. So, unlike someone who got in a car accident or survived a fire and has PTSD as a result, CPTSD is a result of repeated trauma over some time, causing more severe damage. It is most common for someone who was abused or neglected in childhood to suffer as an adult with CPTSD. However, an adult who is exposed to repeated trauma can also experience CPTSD.

Ten Symptoms of CPTSD

1. Difficulty sleeping and possible nightmares
2. Views the world as unsafe
3. When they remember their trauma, they experience physical symptoms such as nausea or dizziness. They may even experience panic attacks.
4. Difficulty regulating emotions — they may be in an adult body but respond like their six-year-old self.
5. Loss of trust in themselves and others
6. Flashbacks of the experiences
7. Irritability and anger
8. Impulsive behaviors
9. Sharp pains in the back or neck, unexplained medically
10. Feeling bored

Causes of Complex PTSD

Bullying in school, physical or sexual abuse or neglect in childhood, repeated domestic violence, being held in captivity, slavery, cults or a combination can all cause complex PTSD. Sufferers often have a low sense of self-worth and carry a lot of guilt and shame.

Final Thoughts

Many people do not realize they have CPTSD. They know they have a lot of anxiety, and they may be questioning if they have borderline personality disorder because they recognize some of the traits. Being aware of the symptoms is important if you have experienced prolonged, repeated traumas. Perhaps you experienced multiple traumas in a short period, causing CPTSD.

Raising emotional intelligence through coaching can be beneficial for managing, processing, and regulating emotions. It would also help strengthen relationships through awareness, improved communication, and empathy. Working with a certified coach to raise EQ also builds confidence and improves self-esteem, benefiting every aspect of life.

Learning what your emotional triggers are and how to self-soothe is also helpful in managing and overcoming CPTSD. An emotional intelligence coach or therapist can help identify triggers.

Talk therapy with a trained Psychologist may also be beneficial. If you have trouble sleeping at night, the therapist might recommend a sleeping medication. Cognitive therapy might help reframe thoughts to be more positive and less scary. If your anxiety is interfering with daily life, anti-depressants or anxiety medication might be recommended.

Finally, most people with CPTSD tend to gravitate towards unhealthy relationships because they have an insecure attachment style. If you are in a relationship with someone with CPTSD, you must learn about insecure attachment styles so that you can overcome those challenges. Someone with CPTSD tends to have push-pull tendencies because they want love, but it scares them. They need to learn to love and accept themself. They have a deep fear of abandonment and rejection.

To Recap:

Ways To Cope with CPTSD

1. Raise emotional intelligence through coaching
2. Familiarize yourself with insecure attachment styles
3. Cognitive Therapy or talk therapy
4. Learning your emotional triggers and how to self-soothe

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you or a loved one experiences this, you are not alone. Although less than 8% of people are diagnosed, it is a difficult condition to manage. I am a certified emotional intelligence coach. To raise your emotional intelligence, click this link to connect with me. https://LevelupwithLibbyPrivateCoaching.as.me/?appointmentType=10945988

Lisa Precious / Smiley Blue wrote a great article about personality styles and safeguarding your boundaries.

Rick Allen wrote a wonderful article about red flag warnings in relationships.