When people hear the term PTSD, often times they associate it with military combat or a major devastating event in someone’s life. However, what people are not always aware of is that PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, can affect anyone who has experienced any form of trauma that leads to things such as anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and many other unwanted psychological conditions. Moreover, there are many various scenarios that could lead to PTSD, such as witnessing a car accident, being in a car accident, any form of abuse, terrorist attacks, and many other events that cause stress and have lasting effects. Occasionally, it may even be something like losing a pet or a seemingly small event in your life that just affects you deeply. 

Complex PTSD: A Deeper Dive

In 2019, The World Health Organization coined the term Complex PTSD as a diagnosis. Although the American Psychological Association has yet to recognize Complex PTSD as its own diagnosable condition, they have a subcategory in the diagnostic manual (DSM-5) that is termed as dissociative PTSD which is somewhat comparable to Complex PTSD with similar symptoms. Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is defined as a mental health condition that develops if someone is exposed to long-term experiences of trauma. The symptoms of Complex PTSD (CPTSD) as very similar to those of PTSD. Some examples are the following:

• anxiety,
• flashbacks,
• nightmares,
• avoiding anything that may relate to the traumatic events, and many others.

Treating and Managing Complex PTSD

Fortunately, even though CPTSD isn’t officially recognized, there are various ways to handle it. The primary treatment is talk therapy, mainly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In sessions, you’ll get support, discuss trauma, learn about CPTSD, manage it between sessions, and get guidance on healthier coping strategies. Additionally, loved ones can also learn how to support you in your healing journey.

Moreover, when dealing with any form of trauma, you mental health professional will be using trauma-focused CBT. In trauma-focused CBT, you will learn about how you and your body respond to trauma and stress in your life, how to manage your symptoms, how to identify and reframe problematic thinking patterns, and often times, counselors will use exposure therapy once you are further along in your therapy treatment. 

Coping Strategies and Support

Getting treatment is crucial for those individuals who have experienced any form of trauma in their life. Moreover, it is common for those individuals to avoid anything that they associate with their trauma. Consequently, avoiding these triggers impedes the opportunity to learn how to effectively handle the associated fear and emotions.

Some examples of strategies:

1. Exposure Therapy: Facing Triggers Head-On. Using exposure therapy gives the counselor the ability to slowly encourage clients to put themselves in triggering situations and teach they how to cope with those emotions that they experience, therefore, lessening the effects that the situation has on the client.
2. Grounding Techniques: Regulating Emotions Beyond Sessions. Outside of sessions, it is important that you continue to do the work to help ground yourself in situations you find yourself triggered. There are many ways that you are able to do this. One example would be to use coping strategies, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or anything that elevates your mood.
3. Setting Realistic Goals and Building a Support System. It is important to set realistic goals for yourself on this healing journey and to spend time with those you trust. While spending time with your trusted circle, it is important to educate them about your experience and explain to them what often triggers you and teach them how they may be able to help you in those situations. Often times, they will be able to help you ground yourself or assist you in focusing on your breathing and other things that are a distraction from the trauma and bring you back to the present.
4. Finding Your Safe Space: A Sanctuary for Healing. Another important thing is to identify your safe spaces. When you have had a triggering day, it is important that you have a place that you feel safe and at peace. This gives your body and mind time to let your defenses down and be at peace.
5. Support Groups: Sharing and Healing Together. There are also support groups that may be available and individuals who have experienced trauma often find it very helpful to be surrounded by others who have experienced similar issues, and they also are able to share things that have helped them with their healing journey that you may benefit from hearing.