Trauma can affect anyone. Almost everyone has gone through at least one traumatic event in their lifetimes. But trauma does not lead to post-traumatic stress disorder for everybody. Some people experience trauma and manage to process the event without much lasting harm.
On the other hand, some people live through trauma over and over again. They might be stuck in abusive situations, live in an area with significant political violence and instability, or dealing with financial uncertainty that has kept them in unsafe scenarios. This can lead to complex trauma, which is the catalyst for the condition complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Let’s explore what complex trauma means, what the symptoms are like, and how people can heal from complex trauma.
Ongoing Events Over Time
Complex trauma is not caused by one, single event. Rather, it’s the result of one traumatic incident after another occurring over months or years. Someone might experience the same form of trauma time and time again, or they might deal with events that are drastically different in nature, yet have the same emotional impact. Basically, these effects are compounded over time. Each subsequent event becomes harder to deal with, and true recovery feels completely out of reach when you’re knocked down again.
Effects On Nervous System
How does living through multiple traumatic events affect your nervous system? When you experience trauma, your body’s limbic system is naturally activated. This is a self-preservation mechanism. Your essential systems will be disrupted or shut down, so you might struggle with digestion or sleep. Your limbic system will release extra cortisol into your body, which helps you stay alert and engages fight, flight, or freeze mode.
This temporary state can help you survive dangerous situations. But when you’re stuck in this state all the time due to repeated trauma, you may feel like you’re always on high alert, and your brain and body can suffer over time.
Mental Health Symptoms
The symptoms of complex trauma can have a significant adverse effect on your mental health. You might constantly feel anxious, and you may struggle with flashbacks relating to your trauma. These difficult memories might even come back to you as nightmares, leaving you tossing and turning each night. You may try to avoid places, people, or situations that remind you of your trauma. Dealing with these symptoms can make it hard to regulate your emotions or cultivate fulfilling relationships, and you might feel like you’re losing your sense of self as a result of your trauma.
Physical Symptoms
Complex trauma can also bring physical symptoms. For example, you might suffer from hyper-arousal: living in fight, flight, or freeze mode can make you feel jumpy. Waking up due to nightmares can leave you exhausted or even leave to insomnia. Furthermore, struggling with anxiety can contribute to digestive problems. You might lose your appetite, or you might find yourself binge-eating comfort foods.
Path To Healing
People with complex trauma have many paths to healing, depending on their unique needs. You might benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can help you transform your thoughts, feelings, and eventually, your beliefs. Some people with complex trauma are good candidates for EMDR, which allows you to reprocess trauma lingering in your body and form new, positive belief systems. Dialectical-Behavioral therapy is another strategy for fostering mindfulness, building your distress tolerance, and finding self-acceptance. People suffering from trauma within their family relationships can also benefit from Internal Family Systems therapy. To find the the right therapist, read my previous blog here.
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Do you suspect that you’re suffering from complex trauma? Working with a therapist can help. Reach out to us today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.
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