Trauma is common, and it can be debilitating. On average, at least half the people you encounter have endured a traumatic event. But there’s not just one type of trauma. For example, when a person (usually a child) undergoes repeated, ongoing abuse or neglect, they are susceptible to complex trauma. People who fall into this category are often diagnosed with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD).

The differences between trauma and complex trauma can be subtle at times. But this does not take away from the importance of differentiating between the two. With this in mind, let’s learn a lot more about complex trauma.

Possible Causes Behind Complex Trauma

• Incest

• Sexual abuse

• Ongoing domestic abuse

• Being kidnapped or held captive

• Repeated neglect or abandonment

• Human trafficking

• Being prostituted

• Torture

• Children being forced to take on adult roles

• Being subjected to or witnessing genocide, terrorism, or a war zone

Of course, trauma is in the eye of the beholder. Individuals can struggle with C-PTSD for an incredibly wide range of reasons.

6 Signs & Symptoms of Complex Trauma

1. PTSD Symptoms

Firstly, be on the lookout for signs of PTSD. People with C-PTSD often share some common symptoms, e.g.:

• Re-living events via nightmares, flashbacks, and other intrusive thoughts

• Hyper-vigilance

• Avoidance and social withdrawal

2. Dissociation

The relentless of what you’ve endured puts you in a place of detachment. This could manifest as:

• Forgetting important details about the trauma.

• Experiencing a change in consciousness (dissociation).

• Not feeling connected to your own body.

3. Unable to Regulate Emotions

Intense trauma-induced emotions can range from explosive anger to downright despair. When under the throes of complex trauma, you can feel overwhelmed by such feelings. You get the sense that they are beyond your control. People in your life will notice and remark on your emotional state.

4. Skewed Perception of Those Who Abused You

The abuse most frequently takes place for a long time period during childhood. Thus, complex trauma can distort how you see your abuser and your relationship with them. You may be fixated on them—trying to understand what happened. In other cases, you can be preoccupied with fantasies of revenge.

5. Relationship Issues

Having gone through such horrific experiences can negatively impact how you interact with others. C-PTSD can affect your relationships in ways like this:

• Feeling that you are different from everyone and no one can understand you.

• Guilt, shame, and other types of negative self-perception.

• An inability to fully let go and trust other people.

• The disconnection and detachment mentioned in #2 above.

• Seeking out partners who remind you of your abuser.

6. Loss of Meaning

A more existential symptom involves a loss of belief and meaning. The horror you’ve experienced can lead to questioning and possibly rejecting what you once had faith in. This could mean religion but also involves a general sense of faith and trust in humanity. The parallel tracks of this sign are despair and hopelessness.

Getting the Help You Need and Deserve

Do not try to address complex trauma on your own. Self-help steps will definitely complement your treatment, but you will need to consult with a professional. There are several treatment modalities available to you depending on the specifics of your situation. Hence, the first and most important step is to reach out for help.

You do not have to suffer in silence. You do not have to suffer forever. As terrible as the traumatic experiences were, you can process and resolve them. You can recover, heal, and thrive in your life. Let’s get you started on this path. I invite you to contact me to set up a free and confidential consultation at your earliest convenience.