Complex PTSD Awareness Month

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day is observed on September 2nd to raise awareness about Complex PTSD, which often arises from prolonged trauma or repeated exposure to distressing events. This day aims to educate the public on the symptoms, challenges, and importance of seeking support for those affected. It's a valuable opportunity to foster understanding and empathy regarding mental health issues.

SEPTEMBER is Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) Awareness Month. Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder awareness focuses on recognizing the impact of prolonged and repeated trauma, which can significantly affect various aspects of a person's life, including emotional regulation, relationships, and self-perception.  While C-PTSD is not currently recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it is acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the ICD-11, Book of the World Health Organization, and is characterized by additional symptoms related to disturbances in self-organization, such as emotional dysregulation and negative self-concept.

C-PTSD was first noted in the 1980s by Judith Lewis Herman, MD, a psychiatrist and professor who is known for her research on C-PTSD and incest. Treatment for C-PTSD is similar to that for PTSD, but may involve addressing interpersonal relationships. A different set of symptoms may necessitate a more comprehensive approach to treatment modalities.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network was enacted by Congress in 2001. Before that, there was no comprehensive organization dedicated to the research and treatment of traumatized children.

C-PTSD arises from ongoing or repeated traumatic experiences, unlike PTSD, which may stem from a single event.  C-PTSD includes the symptoms of PTSD (re-experiencing, avoidance, hyperarousal) but also features emotional dysregulation, negative self-concept, and disturbances in relationships.  C-PTSD symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for other conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). 

The key differences of C-PTSD from PTSD include:  Severity and Duration: C-PTSD is often more severe and pervasive than PTSD due to the prolonged nature of the trauma.  C-PTSD includes a negative self-concept and difficulties with self-esteem, which are not as prominent in PTSD. C-PTSD can significantly impact interpersonal relationships due to difficulties with emotional regulation and trust.  By raising awareness and promoting understanding of C-PTSD, we can help individuals affected by prolonged trauma find the support and resources they need to heal and thrive. 

Speaking out about your own experiences helps to reduce stigma and encourages those around you to do the same. Stigma is often the product of a lack of education and awareness.  Educating ourselves and others about C-PSD is key to reducing stigma and promoting understanding. C-PSD is often discussed in the context of PTSD awareness due to its shared origins in trauma.

Here’s how C-PTSD can affect relationships, as well as some strategies for managing these challenges.

Effects of C-PTSD on Relationships:

1. Individuals with C-PTSD may struggle to trust others due to past betrayals or trauma, making it difficult to form close connections.

2. People with C-PTSD often experience intense emotions, including anxiety, anger, and sadness, which can lead to difficulty managing feelings in relationships. 

3. C-PTSD can lead to insecure attachment styles, such as anxious or avoidant attachment, impacting how individuals relate to partners and friends.

4. Individuals with C-PTSD may be constantly on alert for potential threats, leading to heightened sensitivity in relationships and difficulty relaxing or feeling safe.

5. Some individuals may withdraw from relationships to protect themselves from further emotional pain, leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnection.

6. Individuals may unconsciously seek out or recreate familiar dynamics from past trauma, which can lead to unhealthy patterns in relationships.

7. Emotional closeness can be challenging, as individuals may fear vulnerability or feel overwhelmed by intimacy.

Some strategies for managing relationships with individuals who have C-PTSD include:

• Engaging in therapy with a professional experienced in trauma can help individuals process their experiences, develop coping strategies, and improve relationship dynamics. 

• Honest communication with partners about their feelings, triggers, and needs can foster a deeper understanding and support.

• Setting healthy boundaries is crucial for protecting emotional well-being and creating safe spaces in relationships.

• Prioritizing self-care activities can help individuals manage stress and emotional dysregulation, leading to healthier interactions.

• Sharing information about C-PTSD with partners can foster empathy and understanding, enabling them to provide better support.

• Learning grounding techniques, mindfulness, and emotional regulation skills can help.

• Joining support groups or connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide a sense of community and understanding.

• Allowing relationships to develop at a comfortable pace can help reduce anxiety and the fear of intimacy.

C-PTSD can present unique challenges in relationships, but with understanding, communication, and appropriate support, individuals can work toward building healthier and more fulfilling connections. It's essential to acknowledge that healing is a journey, and seeking help is a proactive step toward enhancing relationship dynamics.

When support is provided, individuals can learn to manage their emotions and foster healthier relationships. Moreover, complex trauma affects how people see themselves and the world. A survivor may feel trapped in a cycle of negative thoughts and emotions. For instance, someone who has faced emotional abuse may develop a belief that they are unlovable or that the world is a dangerous place. This viewpoint can prevent them from seeking help or connecting with others. It is essential to challenge these harmful beliefs and foster a supportive environment that enables individuals to heal and grow.

Additionally, complex trauma can influence behavior and choices. Survivors may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse, because they struggle to manage their pain. For example, an adult who experienced neglect as a child might find comfort in alcohol to escape their feelings. Addressing complex trauma can help individuals find healthier ways to cope, leading to better life choices and improved well-being.

Complex trauma has a profound impact on mental health, self-perception, and behavior. Recognizing the signs and providing support can help individuals overcome the shadows of their past. It is vital to create awareness and encourage conversations about complex trauma, as this can lead to healing and a brighter future. Everyone deserves the chance to overcome their past and thrive in life.

Women are twice as prone to C-PTSD after experiencing childhood trauma as men. Harvard School of Public Health reports that people who are abused or neglected in childhood tend to experience more physical and mental health problems throughout their lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that childhood trauma and neglect can negatively impact education, job opportunities, and earning potential.

Educate Yourself:

• Learn about the signs and symptoms of CPTSD to better understand the impact of prolonged trauma. 

• Seek out and support organizations dedicated to CPTSD awareness and support services. 

• Advocate for improved mental health services and specialized trauma units in your community. 

• Share your knowledge and experiences to reduce stigma and increase understanding of CPTSD. 

• Promote Healing: Encourage individuals struggling with CPTSD to seek professional help and support.

• Consider donating or volunteering with organizations that support people with C-PTSD.

·         Use your voice on social media to raise awareness. 

Seek out more information and utilize online support groups:

• Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) https://adaa.org

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

• RAINN.org leads the fight against sexual violence.

• American Society for the Positive Care of Children (American SPCC) https://americanspcc.org

• PTSD Coach is a Health & Fitness Application sponsored by the US Department of Veterans Affairs

• National Center for PTSD (gov) https://www.ptsd.va.gov