Most people have a basic idea of what trauma is, what it can look like, and the long-term impact it can have on someone’s mental well-being. However, fewer people have heard of complex trauma. Understanding more about complex trauma can actually make it easier to dig deeper into your own life, including your past, and determine if some of the things you went through as a child could be causing issues today.
Complex trauma refers to an ongoing sense of fear or helplessness. It’s usually caused by a situation that’s continuous or keeps happening for an extended period of time. Things like child abuse, sexual abuse, or domestic violence can be examples of complex trauma. Let’s take a closer look at how this type of trauma develops, some of the common signs, and what you can do to overcome it.
How Does Complex Trauma Develop?
If you experience a singular traumatic event, it will likely impact you. That could be something like a natural disaster, an act of violence, or having to do something that feels morally wrong, like a soldier taking a life in a war. While there’s nothing “simple” about the trauma that comes from those situations, complex trauma can often be harder to unravel—especially because it usually stems from childhood.
Complex trauma is often recurring or ongoing and usually occurs because of another person/people. If you weren’t properly cared for and nurtured as a child, you might have successfully repressed the effects of trauma into adulthood. If you were emotionally or physically abused or neglected in any way, that could take its toll over time.
This type of trauma can cause you to feel trap
This type of trauma can cause you to feel trapped. You might have felt like you didn’t have anyone to care for you. Or, no one to take you somewhere safe as a child. As an adult, if you’re experiencing repeated trauma in a relationship, you might feel like there’s no way out.
What Are the Signs of Complex Trauma?
For children who experience this type of trauma, noticeable signs might not show up for years. However, if you struggle with feelings of guilt or shame, you have a hard time trusting people, and you have difficulties managing healthy relationships, you might be struggling with the long-term effects of complex trauma more than you realize.
Victims of complex trauma typically have a negative view of other people and themselves. You might even feel angry toward the world or empty and hopeless about life in general. As you might expect, these thoughts can make it hard to hold onto close friendships and romantic relationships. They can even make it difficult to feel close to family members.
Those who deal with complex PTSD might also experience extremely intense emotions. So much so that they can feel like they’re living in a dream or some kind of altered reality.
What Can You Do?
Obviously, the signs listed above are no way to live. They can have a hugely negative impact on your overall quality of life. It can lead to other mental health issues, including anxiety or depression. If you’re worried that you might have experienced complex trauma, either as a child or an adult, it’s never too late to get the help you deserve. Working with a therapist is one of the best ways to manage your current symptoms and overcome the lasting effects of complex trauma.
Feel free to reach out for more information or set up an appointment today for ptsd treatment. Together, we’ll uncover the root cause of your trauma, and work on effective ways of moving forward so you can take control of your life once again.