PTSD and CPTSD

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is characterized by disruptive and lasting symptoms after a stress-inducing incident or time-limited traumatic event. People with PTSD may find themselves re-experiencing the event in flashbacks or dreams and also report irritability, jumpiness, and feelings of heightened anxiety which signifies a nervous system that is stuck in the “fight or flight,” response. Other characteristics may include numbing through substance abuse, avoidance, or feeling withdrawn from one’s life. It takes bravery to face what has been haunting us and you don’t have to face it alone.

Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is a proposed diagnosis that is characterized by ongoing or repeated trauma for a significant period of time, often involving abuse or neglect from a close relationship in one’s life. Those with CPTSD may find themselves in other toxic relationships later on, feeling that the world is dangerous. It can feel deeply burdensome to have to unlearn automatic survival responses which were birthed out of circumstances we didn’t ask for. Discerning how to repurpose your skills of survival for when you really need them, and learn strategies for authentic connection for when you don’t, is a worthy process of transformation. Finding safety can be fruitful beyond escaping pain. Rather safety can be an expansive process of branching out in pleasant discovery of a rich and dynamic world.