Understanding Complex Trauma
Trauma is typically thought of as a single, significant life event. It may be an act of violence, a car accident, or a life-altering natural disaster.
For many people, however, trauma consists of something repeated and prolonged. It’s a series of events or experiences that occur over months, maybe even years. This type of trauma is referred to as complex trauma.
What Is Complex Trauma?
Complex trauma is the prolonged exposure to some type of traumatic event, especially a deeply personal act. This shouldn't be confused with classic PTSD, where symptoms occur over a prolonged time, but are usually the result of a single incident.
Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) stems from issues such as childhood abuse, neglect, domestic violence, acts of bullying, discrimination, or living in a war zone. These traumatic experiences make the person feel trapped and powerless in a space where they should feel safe, by someone who is supposed to provide that safety.
How Complex Trauma Affects the Mind and Body
Complex trauma causes more than just the flashbacks or nightmares that are common with PTSD. The impact can shape your whole sense of self and how you view your world around you.
Symptoms of complex trauma include:
Negative self-image: You may experience feelings of shame, worthlessness, or guilt over your ongoing situation.
Dissociation: You may feel disconnected from your reality and/or from your body. It’s as if you're watching your life unfold from outside your body.
Hypervigilance: You may feel on edge or like you constantly need to look over your shoulder.
Emotional Dysregulation: You may experience a difficult time understanding and managing your emotions. This comes with waves of sadness, anger, and mood swings.
Relationship challenges: The trauma can interfere with your ability to trust others or become intimate.
Any of these symptoms can interfere with various aspects of daily life, making happiness a challenge. Relationships are hard to navigate and sustain. Job responsibilities may become challenging. Your sense of peace becomes disrupted.
The Effect of Childhood Trauma
Childhood trauma and complex trauma have a particular bond. When a traumatic event occurs during the younger years, it can have deep and lasting effects. The brain is not yet developed and doesn’t have the capacity for processing complex emotions.
As a child, you rely on your parents and caregivers to provide a safe environment, to be your protectors. They are expected to help you learn how to regulate your emotions and form your identity.
When those caregivers violate that safe environment and are the source of harm, it leads to complex trust issues and instability. This is how complex trauma has ties to attachment issues, emotional dysregulation, and chronic anxiety in adulthood.
Finding Healing From Complex Trauma
No matter how complex your trauma is, there is good news...healing is a possibility. The path to recovery can be long and take a good amount of effort. With the right tools and some self-compassion, you can overcome your obstacles to find the relief you need.
Support Groups
Joining a support group is a powerful part of the healing process. It offers you a space to connect with others who have shared similar situations. This space gives you a sense of community and validation that you may not have had before.
Mindfulness Practices
Mindfulness practices are exceptionally handy for their ability to keep you grounded in the present moment. Additionally, they help you tap into your feelings and bodily sensations. Being able to explore your emotions in a judgment-free way fosters a sense of safety that’s healing.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Healing from complex trauma can be viewed as a marathon and not a sprint. It requires hard work, time, and grace. Trauma therapy can help you identify and name your symptoms, explore strategies for coping, and learn how to let the burden go. You don’t have to take this journey alone. Schedule your consultation today.