If we already have a condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), what’s the need to have something else called complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD)? Isn’t trauma complex by default? This is a great and much-needed question because the answers can make a world of difference for complex trauma survivors.
While PTSD and C-PTSD inevitably have some overlap when it comes to symptoms and outcomes, there are major differences in how they come to be. Those distinctions can be summed up as quantity and duration. An ideal starting point for better understanding complex trauma is to learn how to identify its symptoms.
What Are the 17 Symptoms of Complex PTSD?
1. Flashbacks
Yes, this is a classic symptom of any type of trauma. But, with complex trauma, there are way more memories to return as intrusive thoughts. C-PTSD flashbacks are distinct.
2. Memory Lapses
When traumatic memories are showing up in flashbacks and nightmares, they may be buried by fear. Rather than risk reliving the pain, complex trauma survivors often struggle with memory lapses.
3. Distorted Sense of Self
Chronic trauma — especially during childhood — can make someone lose touch with their identity. They were in survival mode for so long that it can feel tricky to connect with their deepest needs, wants, beliefs, and values.
4. Inability to Control Your Emotions
When everything feels like a threat and/or a trigger, staying calm is rarely an option.
5. Hyper-Arousal
After being on high alert for so long, the human mind and body cannot just casually flip a switch and return to equilibrium. Thus, your stress response is your default setting.
6. Unexplained Headaches
While the connection is not fully understood, tension in the neck and shoulders can play a role. Either way, unexplained headaches are a known red flag.
7. Unexplained Upset Stomach
The chronic presence of high levels of stress hormones like cortisol can contribute to a wide range of gut issues.
8. Sleep Disturbances
Anyone dealing with nightmares and hyper-arousal is likely to experience problems getting a good night’s sleep.
9. Autoimmune Conditions
Stress is a major player in the suppression of immune function. C-PTSD ramps up the stress and, in turn, increases the likelihood of immunity-related problems.
10. Other Chronic Health Conditions
C-PTSD is often associated with chronic pain, high blood pressure, and more. Do not shrug off the possible connection.
11. Avoidance of Certain Circumstances/Places
Rather than risk being triggered, someone with C-PTSD may go to extremes to avoid anything that reminds them of their traumatic experiences.
12. Substance Use
Self-medication sometimes feels like the only way to numb the pain. Of course, it will only add to and escalate virtually every symptom on this list.
13. Depersonalization or Derealization
Another form of self-numbing occurs when your mind seems to detach from present awareness. It’s as if you’re watching someone else struggle.
14. Challenged Interpersonal Relationships
Long-term trauma can make it very difficult to trust others, be vulnerable, and share emotions. Without these components, relationships can be challenging.
15. Low Self-Esteem
All the above can go a long way toward shattering one’s self-confidence and self-worth. Complex trauma can make you feel you “deserved” abuse.
16. Negative Self-Perception
Anyone juggling so many symptoms and problems will almost certainly have trouble viewing themselves in a positive light. This can all too quickly transform into some very dangerous ideas.
17. Thoughts of Suicide
You can view this as the culmination of ongoing trauma and its effects on the human psyche and body. Left unchecked, C-PTSD can make people feel they have run out of options to heal and recover.
Ending this post on the above note of self-harm highlights just how crucial it is for complex trauma survivors to get the help they need. I invite you to reach out to learn more.