What is PTSD & CPTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) are both trauma-related mental health conditions, but they differ in their causes and symptoms.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) occurs after a single traumatic event, such as a car accident, natural disaster, assault, or combat exposure. It is characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance of trauma-related triggers.

CPTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) develops due to prolonged or repeated trauma, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or captivity. In addition to PTSD symptoms, CPTSD includes emotional dysregulation, deep feelings of shame or guilt, difficulty in relationships, and a distorted self-perception.

Common Symptoms & Experience

Common Symptoms

Both PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and CPTSD (Complex PTSD) share similar symptoms, but CPTSD often includes additional difficulties related to long-term trauma. Here are three common symptoms:

Intrusive Memories & Flashbacks

Individuals with PTSD or CPTSD relive the traumatic event through flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing thoughts. These memories can feel intensely real, causing overwhelming fear, panic, or distress.

Hypervigilance & Emotional Reactivity

People with PTSD and CPTSD often feel constantly on edge and easily startled. They may experience difficulty relaxing, trouble sleeping, irritability, or intense emotional outbursts, as their nervous system remains in a heightened state of alertness.

Avoidance & Emotional Numbing

Many individuals avoid reminders of their trauma, such as people, places, or activities that trigger distress. They may also struggle with emotional numbness, detachment, or difficulty experiencing joy in everyday life.

Experiences

People with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and CPTSD (Complex PTSD) often face intense emotional and psychological challenges that affect their daily lives. Here are three common experiences:

Sudden Triggers & Emotional Overwhelm

A person with PTSD or CPTSD may experience unexpected emotional reactions when exposed to reminders of their trauma. A loud noise, a specific smell, or a certain situation can cause panic, intense fear, or dissociation, making them feel like they are reliving the trauma.

Difficulty in Relationships

Many individuals with PTSD/CPTSD struggle with trust, emotional connection, and communication. They may withdraw from loved ones, feel misunderstood, or experience intense mood swings and emotional numbness, making it hard to maintain healthy relationships.

Ongoing Sense of Danger & Hyperawareness

Even in safe situations, people with PTSD/CPTSD often feel constantly on guard. They may struggle with sleep, feel jumpy in crowds, or always scan their surroundings for potential threats, leading to chronic stress and exhaustion.

How Psychological Therapy Can Help You

Psychological therapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals recover from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and CPTSD (Complex PTSD) by providing tools to process trauma, regulate emotions, and rebuild a sense of safety.

Here are three ways therapy can help:

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

TF-CBT helps individuals reframe negative thought patterns related to the trauma. By addressing and changing distorted beliefs and fears, therapy helps individuals reduce anxiety and stress, while building a healthier, more balanced view of their experiences.

EMDR is a highly effective therapy for trauma. It involves guided eye movements or tapping to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge. This approach helps desensitize the individual to distressing memories and promote healing.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

Strengthening Relationships and Communication Skills

Somatic therapy focuses on the body's response to trauma, helping individuals become more aware of how their bodies hold tension or memories related to trauma. Mindfulness techniques also help individuals stay grounded in the present moment, reducing symptoms like dissociation, hypervigilance, and emotional overwhelm