The Effect of Complex PTSD After An Abusive Relationship
This article talks about a specific type of post-traumatic stress disorder that develops in victims who have suffered prolonged trauma. It can also be called complex PTSD.
For many women, the end of an abusive relationship is just the beginning of a long and difficult journey. Many experience Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), which can have a devastating effect on their lives. This post will explore the symptoms of C-PTSD and how to get help. If you are struggling with C-PTSD, please don't hesitate to reach out for help. There is hope and healing available for you.
I have suffered from C-PTSD for the past 5 years of my life, and it hasn’t been easy. I experienced all of symptoms, and responses after leaving my abusive relationship. I quickly realized that from a young age I had been stuck in these responses from being a survivor of narcissistic abuse, when then led me to seek out those same type of partners.
You may not recognize that you are having symptoms, triggers, or reactions because you have lived in this state of mind or environment for extended period of time. So, it may feel “normal” to you.
Here are some examples that you may be suffering from C-PTSD:
. Nightmares
Avoiding Reminders of traumatic event(s)
Memory Loss
Negative Thoughts About Self and the World
Self-Isolation; Feeling Distant
Anger and Irritability
Reduced Interest in Favorite Activities
Intrusive thoughts/ fearful thoughts
If you have complex PTSD you may be particularly likely to experience what some people call an 'emotional flashback', in which you have intense feelings that you originally felt during the trauma, such as fear, shame, sadness or despair.
For myself, I experienced up “emotional flashbacks” often, and at times it was happening more than once a day. It was debilitating, and created suffering and distress on my body, mind and spirit.
You are more likely to develop complex PTSD if:
you experienced trauma at an early age
the trauma lasted for a long time
escape or rescue were unlikely or impossible
you have experienced multiple traumas
you were harmed by someone close to you.
If this sounds like you, I hope you have found a good therapist or the support needed. It’s important to realize that you cannot just suppress this or outrun it, it takes an immense amount of healing and different modalities to rewire the brain for safety.
It is possible!
Ways you can heal from Complex PTSD:
>Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
>Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
>Cognitive Therapy
>Hypnotherapy/ RTT- Rapid Transformational Therapy
>Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
If you are interested in learning more about how RTT, and the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that I deliver for my clients please don’t hesitate to book a complimentary session below.
https://calendly.com/lifecoachinggoddess/rewire-therapy-session
My passion is to help others relieve their suffering, and create new sense of self worth, love, and compassion for self. This relieves the after effects of trauma, helping you to create healthy relationships with others and yourself.
As always, thank you for being here with me,
