Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) can feel like living in a constant state of alert, long after the traumatic events have passed. Unlike PTSD, which often stems from a single event, C-PTSD arises from prolonged or repeated trauma, often during childhood. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step towards healing.
So, what are some telltale signs? Beyond the typical PTSD symptoms like flashbacks and nightmares, C-PTSD often includes:
* **Difficulty with Emotional Regulation:** Intense mood swings, difficulty managing anger, and overwhelming feelings of sadness or emptiness.
* **Distorted Self-Perception:** Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt, and a belief that you are fundamentally flawed.
* **Relationship Challenges:** Difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships due to trust issues, fear of abandonment, or a tendency to repeat unhealthy patterns.
* **Dissociation:** Feeling detached from your body or emotions, or experiencing periods of amnesia.
* **Difficulty with Reality Perception:** Feeling detached from the world around you or experiencing a sense of unreality.
If these symptoms resonate with you, know that you are not alone. Seeking professional help from a therapist specializing in trauma is crucial for developing coping mechanisms and embarking on a journey towards healing and recovery.
