Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD) can happen after you have experienced or witnessed a single incident of ‘actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violation.’ (APA 2014)
Symptoms of PTSD include low mood, angry outbursts, poor memory, self-destructive behaviour, suicidal thoughts, nightmares and flashbacks. Recovery can be sustainable with therapeutic and social support.
Complex Trauma (CPTSD) happens when you have experienced any kind of abuse on a regular or sustained basis, usually during childhood. Emotional abuse or childhood neglect can cause even more harm than physical or sexual abuse.
Symptoms of CPTSD include all the symptoms of PTSD as well as dissociation (feeling disconnected from yourself), ongoing difficulties with self-regulation and with interpersonal relationships. Recovery may never be complete, although therapy (including stabilisation and process work) can help make your symptoms feel more manageable.
As a therapist/counsellor, my areas of special interest are Complex Trauma & PTSD, childhood trauma, birth trauma.
FURTHER READING
- Herman, J. (2022) Trauma and Recovery: the aftermath of violence, from domestic abuse to political terror.
- Fisher, J. (2017) Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors: Overcoming Internal Self-Alienation.
- Galavan, E. (2015) https://headfixers.wordpress.com/2015/11/25/the-role-of-trauma-in-mental-health-the-issue-cannot-be-ignored-any-longer/
- van der Kolk, B. (2015) The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma.
- Levine, P. (2010) In an Unspoken Voice: how the body releases trauma and restores goodness.
- Linden, S. & Grut, J. (2002) The Healing Fields: working with psychotherapy and nature to rebuild shattered lives.
