Complex PTSD (CPTSD)
As a man, you may have heard of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly as these conditions pertain to veterans who have experienced active combat. But what about terms like “complex trauma” or “complex post-traumatic stress disorder”?
What Is Complex PTSD?
Also known as CPTSD or C-PTSD, Complex PTSD causes your limbic system to flood with stress hormones. As a result, your brain (and body) remain stuck in fight, flight, or freeze mode — you cannot relax despite not being in any actual danger.
The health of our nervous systems can suffer because our difficult memories feel like they are happening to us in the present moment. We constantly feel on edge because the emotional trauma gets physically stuck in our bodies. This cycle can be challenging for men to break due to testosterone levels.
Rather than being related to a single accident like a military attack or a car accident, CPTSD is a series of traumas occurring over a long period. Sometimes with CPTSD, the experiences have taken place for months or years. Though CPTSD generally starts in childhood, it can also develop from an adult traumatic onset episode or recurrent stressors.
MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS
What Are the 17 Symptoms of Complex PTSD?
Living with a CPTSD diagnosis can be difficult for anyone, but Complex PTSD symptoms can be particularly difficult for men. In addition to feeling anxious most of the time, you may have the following signs and symptoms:
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- Unexplained upset stomach
- Sleep disturbances
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Depersonalization or derealization
- Negative self-perception
- Unexplained headaches
- Memory lapses
- Distorted sense of self
- Inability to control emotions
- Hyperarousal
- Interpersonal relationship challenges
- Tendency to avoid certain circumstances/places
- Substance misuse
- Low self-esteem and thoughts of suicide
- Chronic health conditions
- Autoimmune conditions
What Is CPTSD and Its Common Causes?
Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder often develops after a very stressful or frightening event or prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic events (e.g., child abuse or domestic violence). Here are the types of events that can cause CPTSD:
- Torture or being held captive
- Enmeshment or engulfment trauma
- Parentification (children taking on adult rules)
- Sexual abuse
- Incest
- Ongoing physical abuse
- Chronic neglect or abandonment
- Medical abuse or medical trauma
- Ongoing emotional abuse
- Human trafficking
- Genocide campaigns
- Living in a war zone or area of civil unrest
Complex PTSD Treatment Options at Origins Recovery Center
Origins Recovery Center helps patients learn how to effectively manage their Complex PTSD triggers and overcome the distressing symptoms through several evidence-based treatments, including:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Body-centered therapies
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Controlled breathing techniques
- Mindfulness practices like journaling
- Focus on exercise, healthy sleep, and good nutrition
- Progressive muscular relaxation
When healing from Complex PTSD, men must discover how to treat Complex PTSD in a way that works for their situation and lifestyle. Origins Recovery Center helps men living with Complex PTSD regain their lives.
Our highly trained therapists can help remind you that you are not alone.
Things will get better, and we can help. Call us today at 561-841-1019.
Frequently Asked Questions About Complex PTSD
Do I Have Complex PTSD?
If you think you may have Complex PTSD, it’s important to remember this condition can happen to anyone. Review the signs and symptoms above and contact Origins Recovery Center if you notice similarities. You don’t need to suffer from CPTSD symptoms. We can help.
Is Complex PTSD a Disability?
CPTSD is a treatable mental health disorder and often co-occurs with alcohol or substance misuse disorders. There is no shame in seeking help. Our clinical team can help you manage distressful symptoms and guide you on your journey toward healing.
What Should I Not Say to Someone With Complex PTSD?
It’s important to listen with intention and let them know you hear what they’re saying. You should never minimize their thoughts or feelings. Instead, encourage them to find a qualified therapist.
What Is My Complex PTSD Life Expectancy?
Professional guidance and treatment for CPTSD make it possible to live a long and healthy life. Take the first step with Origins Recovery Center.
How Long Does Complex PTSD Last?
The length varies. Some men experiencing symptoms of CPTSD can struggle for months or years without medical intervention or therapy.
What Is the Best Medication for Complex PTSD?
You may not need medication for Complex PTSD. Several of the evidence-based therapies we use at Origins Recovery Center have shown excellent promise in helping men heal.
Heal at Origins Recovery Center in South Padre Island, TX
By utilizing evidence-based treatments, Origins Recovery Center helps patients manage their Complex PTSD triggers and overcome distressing symptoms.
Our multidisciplinary team has extensive experience in trauma-informed treatment of addiction and expertise in the treatment of co-occurring mental health conditions.
Recovery is possible. Call the caring staff at Origins Recovery Center at 561-841-1019.