What you need to know about Complex PTSD.
Did you know that Complex PTSD is often misdiagnosed as PTSD or Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
CPTSD develops when there has been neglect, abuse, severe bullying or torture. When there is exposure to a threat, and there is little time in between events for the nervous system to calm down. Because there is no safety, we are constantly in a trauma response. This is our body trying to keep us safe in an unsafe situation.
When we leave the trauma vortex, by moving out of home or leaving a war zone, we are physically safe, but the body is still stuck in the trauma response that kept us alive.
This can cause a myriad of issues as an adult:
- Mood swings
- Depression, shame and guilt
- Difficulty in relationships
- Hyeralertness
- Difficulty with trust
- Suicidal thoughts
- Experiencing invasive, traumatic memories
If you are wondering if you have Complex PTSD, looking for a therapist who works specifically with CPTSD could be incredibly supportive.
Love, Jen
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Reference: Davis, S.