Unforgettable Trauma: Understanding Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Our minds are a complex network of neurons, connecting one synapse to the next and storing vast amounts of information. However, sometimes these neuron connections become so tangled and muddled that we have difficulty deciphering reality from fiction. This is especially true for those who – through no fault of their own – have experienced trauma. Nowhere is this truer than with Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), a condition whose symptoms can be linked to events that occurred in the past.

Growing up, many of us take the memories of our childhoods for granted. Whether it’s the warm embrace of a mother or the joy of running around a playground, these cherished moments stay with us as we transition into adulthood. But when individuals regularly experience psychological trauma as a result of abuse or neglect, having no memories of accepting gestures can lead them to develop a harsh inner critic, leaving them vulnerable and insecure.

It can also be extremely taxing on a relationship due to issues with trust. For example, someone suffering from C-PTSD may rely too much on her partner for support and validation. She might become overly dependent on him, making it hard for the other person to live their own life. It can be particularly difficult for any friends or romantic partners because dealing with anything related to C-PTSD is tricky.

At its core, C-PTSD results from our body’s attempts to cope with psychological trauma. The amygdala and hippocampus, two important areas of the brain, are responsible for processing fear responses and emotional memories. If these areas of the brain become overstimulated and overwhelmed with information, it can lead to distorted responses to situations or relationships.

In the case of C-PTSD, it can take years or even decades of struggle before individuals recognize the effects these experiences have had on them; how their behaviors are repeat patterns stemming from the past. Therefore, it’s important to pay attention to how past traumas interact with our current lives – how we perceive relationships and make sense of our own identities. People who do not recognize the subtle yet damaging effects of unrealized traumas may find themselves unfulfilled by relationships they don’t understand why they’re in.

The good news is that there are treatments available for complex post-traumatic stress disorder, such as talk therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which can help us understand and address the deep underlying issues that cause our negative thought patterns. Also, art therapy is known to be highly beneficial for healing trauma, as it allows C-PTSD sufferers to express and process their emotions in a creative way. There are also medications and supplements, such as antidepressants and omega-3 fatty acids, which can stabilize mood and reduce the severity of symptoms.

C-PTSD is a condition that should never be taken lightly. While it’s essential to be mindful of how our past impacts our present, we must remember that life doesn’t need to be lived in pain and despair. It’s perfectly possible to move on from trauma and create a life of joy and fulfillment, if we take the proper steps to heal the wounds of our past.