What is PTSD?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) are mental health issues that stem from experiencing either chronic (long term) or acute (short term) traumatic events in one’s lifetime. 

Trauma is defined as “a deeply distressing or disturbing experience.” These events can be different for everyone. What constitutes trauma is subjective, but the experience of the trauma is pervasive and distressing for all who suffer from PTSD/C-PTSD. We all have varying degrees of distress tolerance.

What PTSD might look like:

• Avoidance

• Intrusive Memories/Flashbacks

• Nightmares/Dreams

• Dissociation

• inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic events

• persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., “I am bad,” “No one can be trusted,” “The world is completely dangerous”).

• persistent, distorted blame of self or others about the cause or consequences of the traumatic events

• persistent fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame

• markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities

• feelings of detachment or estrangement from others

• persistent inability to experience positive emotions.

• irritable or aggressive behavior

• reckless or self-destructive behavior

• hypervigilance

• exaggerated startle response

• problems with concentration

• Sleep difficulties including falling asleep, staying asleep and restless sleep

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is PTSD in the context of trauma that is ongoing over a prolonged period of time and may lead to additional symptoms such as:

• difficulty controlling your emotions

• feeling very hostile or distrustful towards the world

• constant feelings of emptiness or hopelessness

• feeling as if you are permanently damaged or worthless

• feeling as if you are completely different to other people