Trail Marker #20 What is CPTSD and How to Practice Self-Care
- Joy LoPiccolo
- Aug 15, 2023
- 3 min read
Have you experienced more than one type of trauma? We have talked previously about what trauma is. Many of you have experienced more than one type of trauma. This can lead to Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD).
The definition of CPTSD is an experience or collection of experiences sustained by an individual that causes harm. Complex traumatic experiences have a cumulative effect. Complex trauma often happens during a certain period or within a specific relationship or series of relationships.
Through my healing along with research it has opened my eyes on how we act, react or not react because of the trauma you have experienced. The extent of the trauma or multiple types of trauma the more we are apt to relate to others or experiences in a way that most people do not react. This does not mean that we are broken. We can learn how we want to relate by looking at our reactions.
Peter Levine, author of Waking the Tiger, has outlined some of the symptoms that are likely to rise after a traumatic event.
Hyperarousal. This can increase heart rate, sweating, difficulty breathing, tension in your muscles. As you acknowledge the signs you may experience fullness of breath, muscles relaxing, feeling of safety.
Constriction. Our nervous system is created to respond to life-threatening situations. It can also cause breathing problems, blood vessels in your skin, and internal organs can become constricted. Your digestive system is also affected.
Dissociation and denial. This is a common coping skill that protects us from being overwhelmed. It lowers the endorphins. If you stay in the dissociation it can lead to chronic pain.
Feelings of helplessness, immobility. These feelings can come and go. Remember that those feelings are real. Accept that you believe you are helpless. Once you accept the feelings than you can assess the situation to notice what you are noticing.
There are other symptoms to watch out for:
Panic attacks
Avoiding places, activity, movements, memories and people
Attraction to dangerous situations
Addictive behaviors (food, alcohol, smoking, etc.)
Exaggerated or diminished sexual activity
Inability to love or bond with others
Fear of dying
Self-mutilation
Loss of beliefs (spiritual and interpersonal)
For me each one of these reactions happened over time. Through counseling I have been able to understand that I was reacting to cope with the trauma. I have learned how to act and react to relationships, flashbacks, addictions and now have a strong love for God. What you are experiencing is okay. I encourage you to work with someone to discover how you are responding to trauma. They can help you learn what you deserve in life.
Processing each of these symptoms does not happen overnight. As you work with someone, you can practice love for yourself through self-care. Each person finds different ways to take care of themselves. Some ideas that you may find helpful include:
Breath - Stop and concentrate on your breathing. Take five full breaths.
Make a gratitude list
Text a friend or family member
Hydrate
Use a weighted blanket
Listen to music
Mute and block toxic people
Take a shower, change your clothes, brush your teeth
Stretch and move more
Do something creative
Go to the park
Write a letter to your younger self
Learn a skill
Set boundaries
Take time to think about what you want your life to be. Assess on a scale of 1 to 10 on how you are doing with health, relationships. career, time and money freedom. As a life coach, I love helping others to create a life they deserve. Let's work together to process your hurts, create a safe place and set steps to walk the road to restoration. Schedule a FREE 30-minute discovery call to learn how having a life coach can help you.
Also want to invite you to a special webinar on Wednesday August 16th at 7:00 PM EST to learn tools that will help you transform panic to peace.
Register now at: linktr.ee/beingrestoredtojoy
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