What is C-PTSD and its symptoms?

C-PTSD (complex post traumatic stress disorder) is a mental health condition that some people can develop after experiencing one or numerous kinds of repetitive trauma simultaneously and continuously.

Symptoms of C-PTSD are categorized into four types: re-experiencing, avoidance, arousal and reactivity, and cognition and mood symptoms.

Re-experiencing symptoms include:

- Flashbacks

- Intense distress at real or symbolic reminders of the trauma

- Frightening thoughts or images

- Nightmares

- Physical sensations such as pain, sweating, nausea, or trembling

Avoidance symptoms include:

- Avoidance of places, events, or objects that are reminders of the traumatic experience

- Avoidance of thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event

- Feeling the need to keep busy

- Inability to remember details of what happened

- Feeling emotionally numb or cut off from feelings

- Self-destructive or reckless behaviors

- Use of alcohol or drugs to avoid memories

Arousal and reactivity symptoms include:

- Panicking when reminded of the trauma

- Being easily startled - Irritability or aggressive behavior

- Angry outbursts

- Hypervigilance (extreme alertness)

- Sleep problems

- Feeling tense or “on edge"

- Difficulty concentrating

Cognition and mood symptoms include:

- Difficulty remembering key features of the traumatic event

- Negative thoughts about oneself or the world

- Feeling as if no place is safe

- Overwhelming feelings of anger, sadness, or shame

- Loss of interest in activities one used to enjoy

Additional symptoms:

- Difficulty controlling emotions

- Anger or mistrust toward the world

- Constant feelings of emptiness or hopelessness

- Feeling damaged or worthless

- Feeling different toward other people

- Feeling as if no one can understand what happened to you

- Avoiding friendships and relationships, or finding them difficult

- Dissociative symptoms such as de-personalization or de-realization

Physical symptoms:

Headaches, Dizziness, Chest pains, Stomach aches, Suicidal feelings

Thank you for reading, and remember that everything you seek is already within you.

Heart to Heart,

Christina

  © Christina Georgiou