I. Introduction
II. What is Complex PTSD?
III. Symptoms of C-PTSD
IV. The Importance of Feeling Emotions in Healing from C-PTSD
V. Emotion Regulation Techniques for C-PTSD
VI. Therapy for C-PTSD
VII. Conclusion
VIII. Healing with Wellness in Mind
Summary: Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is a type of post-traumatic stress disorder that can develop after experiencing prolonged or repeated trauma. Unlike traditional PTSD, which typically results from a single traumatic event, C-PTSD is associated with ongoing trauma, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or captivity. People with C-PTSD often experience a range of symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and difficulty regulating emotions. The road to healing from C-PTSD can be long and challenging, but one of the most important aspects of recovery is learning to feel and express emotions. By developing emotion regulation techniques, engaging in therapy, and allowing themselves to experience their feelings, people with C-PTSD can take steps toward healing and reclaiming their lives.
I. Introduction When we think of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we often think of soldiers returning from combat. However, PTSD can develop in anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, including domestic violence, sexual assault, natural disasters, and car accidents. For some people, PTSD can develop into a more complex form of the disorder, known as complex PTSD (C-PTSD). This type of PTSD is associated with repeated or prolonged trauma, such as childhood abuse, captivity, or ongoing domestic violence. C-PTSD can be challenging to diagnose and treat, as its symptoms can be subtle and pervasive. However, one of the keys to healing from C-PTSD is learning to feel and express emotions. In this blog post, we will explore what C-PTSD is, its symptoms, and the importance of feeling emotions in healing from this disorder.
II. What is Complex PTSD? Complex PTSD is a type of PTSD that results from ongoing or repeated trauma. While traditional PTSD is typically associated with a single traumatic event, such as a car accident or a natural disaster, C-PTSD results from prolonged trauma, such as childhood abuse, captivity, or domestic violence. Bit it can also be the result of trauma with a lower case "t" that arises in people when they for instance feel unsafe or unseen as a child. People with C-PTSD often experience a range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, chronic health issues, and difficulty regulating emotions.
III. Symptoms of C-PTSD The symptoms of C-PTSD can be pervasive and challenging to manage. People with C-PTSD may experience:
Flashbacks: vivid and intense memories of traumatic events that feel like they are happening in the present.
Avoidance: avoiding people, places, or activities that remind them of the trauma.
Emotional dysregulation: difficulty regulating emotions, leading to intense emotional experiences or numbness.
Hypervigilance: being constantly on guard for danger or threats.
Dissociation: feeling disconnected from their body, thoughts, and emotions.
Negative self-concept: feeling shame, guilt, or worthlessness.
Relationship problems: difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships.
IV. The Importance of Feeling Emotions in Healing from C-PTSD One of the hallmarks of C-PTSD is difficulty regulating emotions. People with C-PTSD may have learned to suppress their emotions as a coping mechanism, which can lead to emotional numbness and detachment. However, in order to heal from C-PTSD, it is essential to learn to feel and express emotions. Emotions are a natural and necessary part of the human experience. When we suppress our emotions, we cut ourselves off from important information about our internal state. By allowing ourselves to feel, we essentially provide ourselves with the opportunity to heal.
There are several benefits to feeling emotions when healing from Complex PTSD. Firstly, it allows for a greater sense of self-awareness and can help individuals to identify triggers or patterns that may contribute to their symptoms. Secondly, it can promote self-compassion and reduce feelings of shame or guilt. Thirdly, acknowledging and processing emotions can help to reduce the intensity and frequency of PTSD symptoms, making it easier to manage daily life.
V. Conclusion Healing from Complex PTSD can be a challenging and lengthy process, but it is crucial to acknowledge and process emotions in order to heal. This can involve working with a therapist, support group, or engaging in self-care activities such as journaling or mindfulness. By allowing ourselves to feel and process emotions, we can gain a greater sense of self-awareness, reduce the intensity and frequency of PTSD symptoms, and promote self-compassion.
VIII. Healing with Wellness in Mind
At Wellness in Mind we look at the patterns and blocks that have been holding you back in life. Starting in the here-and-now we find our way back to the root cause of what is bothering you. We use emotions as a portal to the past. Inner child therapy, breathwork, somatic experiencing and energy work are important tools that I use. What my clients usually experience is relief, they feel lighter on the inside and they are less triggered in day2day life. They learn how to process their emotions and express them in a healthy way.
So, if this resonates with you and you're wondering if this might be the right approach for you and your symptoms, please contact me! By the way, I expect the answer to be YES 😉
Love, Kinga.
