Complex PTSD - What is it and how do we cope?

[Just Sara]

'Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD; also known as complex trauma disorder) is a psychological disorder thought to occur as a result of repetitive, prolonged trauma involving sustained abuse or abandonment by a caregiver or other interpersonal relationships with an uneven power dynamic.' Wikipedia description..

I think this pretty much sums it up yeah?

I wish I could underline; '..relationships with an uneven power dynamic'. In my own case, C-PTSD was triggered by bullying in my workplace from 2008 until 2014. I developed symptoms such as Anxiety/Panic that grew in severity until a tragic breakdown in 2014. I was forced to medically retire.

Although my history of multiple trauma's and childhood abuse caused specific responses in me from an early age, I thought I was normal and everyone was the same. In fact, a lot of people in my inner circle were.

Decades later, I find out those friends/family members/acquaintances had gone thru their own traumatic situations. So why wouldn't I feel normal around them?

Today, as opposed to the 70's/80's (my adolescence/young adulthood) where abuse wasn't discussed, people have resources to out their pain and confusion in spaces like BB forum or with psychologists, social workers, medico's, psychiatrists and even friends/family.

Treatment has become the 'norm' instead of going it alone which is what many of us here had to do until society caught up with this 'pandemic' (IMO) of psychological disorders.

So, why create a thread dedicated to C-PTSD? Well, stigma and misconception around it's still rife in our society, and people suffering with this horrible disorder and not realising it is a constant.

Your views are absolutely welcome! We really do need to talk about it as consequences of C-PTSD and the benefits of therapy are worthy and an important part of recovery.

Newcomers and current members alike are encouraged to post; old, young, male or female.

Let's pick each other's brain and see where it leads...

Kind thoughts;

Sez

[startingnew]

Morning Sez and all posters and readers

I got the concept and your welcome to use any examples to help explain things xo

Do you mind if i ask a few questions on coping with cptsd?

[Just Sara]

Absolutely SN; go for it. You don't need to ask permission either ok. Sez

[startingnew]

Im not sure if my background is relevant atm so I wont include it as yet.... theres 2 things really and they are the different fear responses and flashbacks


Fear responses- Fear is normal but too much fear then starts to cause troubles right... im finding that when faced with some situations, even sometimes the most simplest tasks my fear goes into overdrive and activates fight or flight however during one of my therapy sessions we covered a third option and that is freeze. When im faced with scary situations or anything that rings alarm bells my outer body goes into freeze mode. I cant move and I feel physically stuck to the ground but internally its say run. Run and never look back. I get so tense and anxious its embarrassing when if I could have answered, walked away and had a breather I might have prevented my anxiety from getting worse. It also prevents me from getting out of some situations like if I sense danger in anyone/anything my intital response it to stop and then I cant move which isnt always helpful.

So my question to you all is does anyone have this sort of experience? And does anyone have any solutions on how to cope with the 'freezing?


Im also interested in hearing how others experience the flight/fight/freeze response if anyones up for sharing?




Flashbacks- these ones ive been able to control abit more than a year ago but one I struggle with more is the ones where I use more than one sense or the touch sense in whats happening. Im abit worried to add examples out of fear of triggerring anyone so im hoping this smaller example wont trigger but will get the point across. When I say touch, I mean I actually physically feel whats happened including with the SA events and bits of the dog incident like I can feel slobber running down my arm, or feel a hand running down a certain limb (It changes so wont be specific). The ones where I experience one sense at a time (except the feeling one-still learning with that one) I find I can take my focus off of it by distractions like grounding techniques, distractions etc.

so im wondering does anyone else experience either the 'feel' flashbacks, or experience them with more than onse sense (almost like reliveing the entire experience in all senses)? And what have you found helpful in controlling it?

[Just Sara]

Hey SN;

You bring up some very relevant topics. I hope others can help you because I'm not doing so well atm. I apologise as I know you originally put this to me, but as I'm a bit disengaged and dissociated, it'd be better if I came back to it tomorrow ok.

*Anyone who wants to complain about another member's post should do so by using the 'report post' button or contacting Moderators via email. (Under search function top right hand of this page)*

I reiterate the premise for this thread being created; Complex PTSD is caused thru long standing, repetitive abuse by caregivers or people who enforce dominant behaviour to control in cases such as Domestic Violence. C-ptsd is separate from ptsd even though some people may have a duel diagnosis of both.

I reiterate; we look at the causative effects and recovery tools, not so much the symptoms.

Being in denial about this issue is a normal process for some. The perception of being victimised can be a consequence, and needs to be explored with psychologists/psychiatrists or the person who's the centre of their complaints.

I conduct myself in a responsible manner for the benefit of all concerned and have no issues responding to conflicting opinions.

Respectfully;

Sez

[startingnew]

Theres no rush Sez ❤

im really interested in hearing other thoughts and opinions too on these plus their own troubles too. I might be able to help them out as wel. The joys of being a community yeh.

And the pressure shouldnt be on you, rest up and take it easy. If you want to talk then im happy yo listen on the appropriate thread xoxo

[blondguy]

Hi Sara

I have been studying mental illness for nearly 40 years.....anxiety.....depression...schizophrenia and PTSD. Until you wrote this thread I was oblivious to the meaning of C-PTSD.

Thankyou for letting everyone know that PTSD relates to past trauma and that C-PTSD is for long standing...repetitive/current trauma on an ongoing basis

I understand that PTSD is a shocker of a place to be in since I learned the difference. I havent been experiencing ongoing and current abuse thus I dont have C-PTSD

I was fortunate as I had a diagnosis so I understand where you are coming from.

C-PTSD is not a 'label' that means the same as PTSD

Thankyou for helping me learn on this subject and explaining the huge difference between the two

I had no idea

My kind thoughts.....and a very helpful post for people that are experiencing ongoing/current PTSD

Paul

[Just Sara]

I'd like to talk about one specific consequence of c-ptsd; uncontrollable angry outbursts. These events can be immense in veracity, leaving in their wake shock, long standing resentments and fear in others.

For me, these episodes occur very infrequently, but when they do, I lose all rational understanding of the situation which allows internalised rage to surface; usual 'filters' go by the wayside. Afterwards I'm left feeling overwhelmingly regretful and ashamed, as well as a sense of "How could this have happened?"

One such event occurred recently on this forum. I was lost within a tumultuous mindset without thoughts of consequence to others or myself. To say I'm regretful is understated as the fallout couldn't be worse in my eyes.

I've thought of crawling away with my tail between my legs, but this wouldn't be in line with everything I've stood for in my time as a BB Community Champion. I've chosen to face it with humility and integrity. I hope it's appreciated where learning about c-ptsd's concerned, as well as provide insight into my damaged mind.

I'm deeply sorry for any harm I've caused people who witnessed this outburst. I'm sure there are those who've lost faith in me which as an outcome, is devastating. I'm not just asking for forgiveness, but understanding that each of us have our failings; some more than others.

I've known about this uncontrollable anger since I was a teen and have done extensive work on catching it before it escalates. It's like a bell-curve that begins slowly, then rises with intensity all of a sudden. If I identify it prior to this, I can set boundaries and avoid losing control.

But as has been seen, there's still a way to go. For those who talk about feeling at fault, guilt, shame, invisibility, small or insignificant for no other reason than a lack of self confidence, please consider what it feels like to 'actually' hurt others for real. It's a nightmare!

Some in this situation might use excuses or blame; I'm totally responsible end of story. I know what I've done and why. My self insight unfortunately doesn't ease my pain, nor does it make up for lost faith in me. But, as I've always tried to do, I'm learning from it on bent knee's, albeit in its aftermath.

Again, deep apologies;

Sez

[Guest8901]

😂 💔 🌈 🌷

[Ggrand]

Hello Sara,

I can read in your words how hard it was to come here and say what you did, that took great courage, and honesty from you and also a lot of love that you have in you, to come back here and help those who need your guidance and help..Thank you for saying what you did..You are a credit to BB.

I have always thought that I didn't have any anger issues, as I have always been to frightened to get angry because of the consequences that followed.. I suppose I could say that my anger emotion has been suppressed or locked up, I do get extremely angry with myself when I think back...Is this real anger worthlessness or frustration?

I am so pleased and proud of you for coming back here, We all have areas of our own Mental Health that need adjusting and at times they become hard to control or even acknowledge that it is happening at the time..but in time we will be able to control them..

Sara, you have earned you CC Badge over and over again, I doubt their would be anyone on the forums that would think anything but respect for you. I have huge respect for you Sara as I'm sure a lot of others have as well...

Sara I kept away until I saw you posted again, the conversation..umm any conflict whether it be written words here on the forums,.on TV, books, on the street, radio, sends me into a flight response, I can't cope with anger, raised voices, etc. I will run..and stay hidden inside myself for days sometimes.(I'm being honest here to learn, as I feel anger, is an important issue I need to be able to cope with).. eventually I hope I can..

Sara, I know the nightmare about really hurting someone, it's real and it eats at you constantly , I'm really sorry you are going this, Please don't be hard on yourself, everyone makes mistakes, we all should try our best to learn from our mistakes, and not hide away from them..

Sara, please be gentle with yourself, xx

Love

Karen..

[Just Sara]

Dear Karen;

What a beautiful mind and heart you have. Your words have power, empathy and insight, why wouldn't you have faith in yourself after writing such an amazing post?

It lifted me out of my depths Karen; a place I waited while breathless with worry. So thankyou; thankyou..

That's all I can say atm. I'm a little disoriented and vague, but I want to continue talking about anger, different sorts of dissociative states and their relevance to c-ptsd.

I'll be back later today, hopefully with my head intact and poota charged.

You lit up my day...

Sez x