Light is only just now being shed on the phenomenon of Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD)- something experienced by many, if not most, survivors of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence and ongoing emotional and psychological abuse. In fact, the biggest predictor of developing CPTSD is the emotional/psychological aspect of abuse; greater even than that of sexual abuse.
I can relate particularly well to the deep fear of trust, difficulties with emotional regulation, emotional flashbacks (big-time!), deeply wounded inner child and the ever-present, utterly relentless toxic shame.
Thanks to A Broken Blue Sky for sharing such important information and personal insights. We’re all on a journey … and sometimes it feels as though it will never end.
Thank you for this post. As a recently diagnosed sufferer of Complex PTSD it is comforting to know that I am not alone.
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Thank you for this – it really rang true with me.
When I was given a diagnosis of CPTSD, two family members who are (unfortunately at times) GP’s sneered and suggested I pull up my panties and get on with things, rather than accept help to work through it.
For a while, I did not attend therapy out of shame and fear that I was a ‘fraud’.
This month, I finally accepted that I need help to work through my pain and am back attending private therapy and am starting to make headway with my emotions/flashbacks etc.
Thank you for sharing, you’re not alone.
S x
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I’m so glad – in a way – you can relate to my post and gained some comfort. And yet, of course, not at all glad you’ve had to go through this. Being left with CPTSD is a cruel thing; something that happens at the hands of an equally cruel abuser.
Sadly, I’m not at all surprised the two GP’s in your family were so unsupportive. In my experience, medical professionals in general are blissfully ignorant of many, if not most, difficult-to-diagnose disorders. I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome so I have intimate experience of this. It’s quite devastating and you’ve done well to listen to your own intuition and pursue counseling. I find the flashbacks and traumatic memories revisit for many years and I expect we’ll be on a life-long journey. But we can still grow and thrive and contribute to society. In fact, we can use our experiences to enrich our lives and the lives of others. Cyber hugs from my part of the world. x
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It’s relief in itself to know I’m not alone, I understand what you mean by being ‘glad’. It can feel selfish to know and take comfort in you’re not the only one out there to feel this way, can’t it?
Thanks for your kind words. I am still in unfortunate close proximity emotionally to my abuser (mother-in-law and still married to the son by some miracle…!) and so my biggest obstacle is to avoid triggers and avoid contact with her/them.
Cyber hugs right back – dont be a stranger xox
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Thank you for this post, it helped me to understand why I turned out the way I did.
I worked through my trauma, yet there were many things I still could not explain. You helped me find the missing pieces. Thank you!
Warm regards
Havoc
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