Coping with PTSD and Complex Trauma

 

Psychological trauma usually occurs after a particularly distressing event or a series of enduring events. The result of this can lead you to feel totally overwhelmed and unable to cope. These events are typically so far outside what we expect and what we believe that our reactions can seem somewhat unusual or even disturbing. Reactions like this are normal though, and should be expected after trauma.

The most common term used to describe the symptoms of psychological trauma is post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Categorised as an anxiety disorder, PTSD occurs after a traumatic event and refers to ongoing, severe symptoms such as flashbacks and insomnia. Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will go on to develop PTSD.

Complex PTSD occurs as a result of childhood neglect, abandonment or trauma. It is very common in relationships where there is sustained abuse or abandonment by the caregiver or any other interpersonal relationship.  CPTSD is associated with sexual, emotional or physical abuse or neglect in childhood, intimate partner violence, bullying, imprisonment or torture.  

There are different severities of psychological trauma, some symptoms are mild and may go away with time, while others can be more severe (such as PTSD) and will require professional treatment. When it comes to trauma, the sooner you seek help the better.

Psychotherapy with an experienced trauma therapist can help clients process traumatic events and receive real relief from debilitating symptoms.