Complex PTSD

We can define trauma as any experience or series of experiences that threatened your sense of safety or security. When trauma occurs as a one- off incident, such as an accident or instance of physical assault, an individual may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Complex PTSD can occur as a result of ongoing or repeated trauma thus, narcissistic abuse or other damaging relationship dynamics can cause C-PTSD.

Symptoms shared by PTSD and see PTSD include:

· Re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and nightmares

· Hypervigilance

· Being easily startled

· Fear

· Avoidance of people or places associated with the traumatic experience/s.

· Outbursts of anger

· Rapid Heartbeat

· Insomnia

· Feeling on edge

· Muscle tension

· In children, symptoms may include bedwetting, regression, clinginess.

In individuals with PTSD or C-PTSD, these symptoms are persistent and it’s likely that they interfere with daily functioning.

Additional symptoms with C-PTSD include:

· Difficulty regulating emotions

· Strong feelings of guilt or worthlessness

· Suicidal thoughts

· Difficulties maintaining friendships/relationships

· Physical symptoms including headaches, stomach aches, chest pains, muscle pain