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6 Signs of Complex PTSD and That Are Often Misdiagnosed

by | Jan 31, 2025

Imagine you're walking through life carrying an invisible backpack. For most people, this backpack might be filled with a mix of good and challenging experiences, each adding a certain weight. But for those grappling with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), this backpack is laden with heavy stones, each representing prolonged, repetitive trauma that was inescapable and horrifying. Unlike PTSD, which can arise from a single event, C-PTSD stems from enduring trauma over an extended period, making the journey through life significantly more burdensome.

C-PTSD isn't just a heavy load in your backpack; it's like wearing a pair of glasses that distorts your view of the world, yourself, and others around you. It can make you see the world as a perpetually threatening place, view yourself as diminished or worthless, and make it incredibly challenging to form and maintain healthy relationships.

Symptoms of C-PTSD

Living with C-PTSD is like being in a constant battle with ghosts from your past. You may find yourself reliving the traumatic events through intense, intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares. It's not uncommon to vigorously avoid anything that reminds you of the trauma or to feel constantly on edge, although, interestingly, your startle response may not be as pronounced due to the prolonged exposure to stress.

One of the most harrowing aspects of C-PTSD is the severe difficulty in regulating emotions. You might experience overwhelming feelings or, conversely, feel emotionally numb, particularly to positive emotions. Imagine being at a party where everyone is laughing and enjoying themselves, but you feel disconnected, unable to tap into the joy of the moment.

Moreover, C-PTSD can embed deep-seated beliefs of being worthless, accompanied by feelings of shame or guilt, as if the trauma was somehow your fault. These feelings can erect walls between you and others, making close relationships feel like an insurmountable challenge.

The Unique Struggle of Relationships

For someone with C-PTSD, relationships can feel like walking through a minefield. There's a craving for closeness and connection, yet a profound fear that getting too close will lead to abandonment, betrayal, or hurt. This push-and-pull dynamic can lead to relationships that are either intensely unstable or excessively avoidant. You might find yourself swinging between desperately needing someone and then pushing them away to protect yourself from potential pain.

Healing from C-PTSD

Healing from C-PTSD is like slowly unpacking that heavy backpack you've been carrying. It's about sifting through each stone, acknowledging its weight, and deciding whether it's something you need to carry forward. This process isn't easy and doesn't happen overnight, but it's possible with support, understanding, and patience.

  1. Seek Professional Help: A therapist trained in trauma can provide you with the tools and support to navigate the complexities of C-PTSD. They can help you understand your symptoms, work through the trauma, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
  2. Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Healing from C-PTSD requires patience and self-compassion. Recognize that your reactions and feelings are normal responses to abnormal experiences.
  3. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with people who understand, or strive to understand, what you're going through. Support groups, either in-person or online, can also be a valuable resource.
  4. Establish Safety: Feeling safe is crucial for healing. Work with your therapist to create a sense of safety in your life, whether it's through establishing healthy boundaries, creating a safe physical space, or developing internal coping strategies.
  5. Explore Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques: Mindfulness can help you stay present and reduce dissociation, while grounding techniques can help manage intense emotional and physical reactions.
  6. Embrace Your Identity Beyond Trauma: You are more than your trauma. Exploring your interests, values, and dreams can help you rebuild a sense of identity that isn't defined solely by your past experiences.

Healing from C-PTSD is a journey of reclaiming your power and voice. It's about slowly removing those distorted glasses and seeing yourself and the world in a clearer, kinder light. While the path may be long and challenging, it leads to a place of greater self-understanding, resilience, and the possibility of deeper, more meaningful connections with others.