While many people are familiar with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they’re likely to be less familiar with other types of trauma. One such trauma is complex trauma. Attributed to a series of distressful events, complex trauma can be a challenging condition. Learn more about complex trauma, the signs, and how to best heal.
If you or someone you know has endured long-term trauma, you need the support of mental health professionals. Right Step Hill Country offers trauma therapy as part of our mental health programs for people with PTSD, complex trauma, and other types of trauma. To learn more about how trauma therapy can help you find relief, reach out to us at 1.844.675.1628.
What Is Complex Trauma?
Complex trauma is also referred to as complex post-traumatic stress disorder or C-PTSD. This condition occurs after someone is repeatedly exposed to traumatic events. Some examples would be long-term:
- Abandonment
- Abuse
- Neglect
- Severe stress
Unlike traditional PTSD, which is typically caused by a single traumatic event, complex trauma is distinguished by its duration and the variety of traumatic experiences a person has been through.
What Causes Complex Trauma?
Complex trauma can be caused by a number of ongoing traumatic situations, such as:
- Domestic violence
- Sexual abuse
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Childhood neglect or abandonment
- Poverty
- Family history of substance abuse
- Living in an unsafe community
It is not only the person who experiences these chronic events firsthand who is susceptible to complex trauma. For example, a child who witnesses their mother being abused by their father can develop complex trauma as well.
Signs of Complex Trauma
Many people experience traumatic or stressful events throughout their lives, but not all of them develop complex trauma. However, it is important to learn about the signs of this condition to recognize whether you or a loved one is struggling and needs professional help. Left untreated, symptoms will remain and often worsen over time.
Some symptoms of complex trauma are:
- Having trouble regulating your emotions
- Having recurrent memories or thoughts about the traumatic events
- Feeling disconnected from others
- Low self-esteem or self-worth
- Having difficulty developing or maintaining relationships
- Feeling hypervigilant or paranoid
- Having nightmares or flashbacks revolving around the traumatic events
- Having difficulty sleeping
You may notice that complex post-traumatic stress disorder has symptoms similar to that of traditional PTSD. However, C-PTSD can be more severe. If the above symptoms seem familiar, then it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis.
How to Heal from Complex Trauma
If you have been diagnosed with complex trauma, you will benefit most from a trauma-informed treatment approach. Treatment for the different types of trauma tends to be similar and may involve the following:
Learn About Trauma
Educating yourself about trauma can help you understand what you are experiencing and allow you to express and process your feelings.
Attend Trauma Therapy Sessions
Trauma-informed therapies like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) are often more suited to the needs of those dealing with complex trauma. They are unique in that they help you process trauma at a deeper level rather than just talking about it.
Take Applicable Medications
Complex trauma can lead to anxiety and depression, so you may want to talk to your doctor about whether anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications might be right for you.
Surround Yourself with Supportive People
Some people who have experienced complex trauma live in fear, viewing the world as a dangerous place. Curating your social circle to include people who make you feel safe, supported, and valued can help change your outlook for the better.
Enroll in Trauma Therapy at Right Step Hill Country
With the help of trauma therapy at Right Step Hill Country, there is no need to continue to live your life in a state of anxiety and hypervigilance due to complex trauma. Reach out to us at 1.844.675.1628 or fill out our online form to get started on your healing journey today.