Introduction
Understanding PTSD and CPTSD
-
Definition of PTSD:
- PTSD is a reaction to exposure to a traumatic event that induces extreme horror or trauma.
- Commonly seen in military personnel, crime victims, and law enforcement.
-
Definition of CPTSD:
- CPTSD results from repeated exposure to traumatic events where escape is difficult or impossible, causing a sense of helplessness.
- Often seen in situations like ongoing abuse, neglect, or professions with repeated trauma exposure (e.g., law enforcement).
Symptoms of PTSD and CPTSD
-
Re-Experiencing:
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and intense distress when reminded of the trauma.
- These symptoms are survival mechanisms, helping the brain stay alert to future threats.
-
Hypervigilance:
- Constantly being on high alert, scanning the environment for threats, leading to physical exhaustion.
- Common in those who have experienced trauma, especially if caught unawares in the past.
-
Physical Symptoms:
- Difficulty sleeping, irritability, anger outbursts, feeling jumpy, easily startled, and chronic fatigue.
- These symptoms are tied to the body's stress response, which remains on high alert, even in safe situations.
-
Somatic Complaints:
- Physical pain, gastrointestinal issues, and other bodily complaints often tied to chronic stress and hypervigilance.
-
Interpersonal and Emotional Symptoms:
- Persistent difficulties in sustaining relationships, mistrust, betrayal, emotional numbness, and a loss of interest in activities.
- Trauma can disrupt the ability to connect with others and maintain healthy relationships.
-
Cognitive Symptoms:
- Difficulty concentrating, dissociative symptoms (feeling detached or losing time), and persistent negative beliefs about oneself.
- Trauma affects the ability to focus and may lead to cognitive distortions, such as overgeneralization and catastrophizing.
Interventions and Strategies
-
Physical Interventions:
- Establishing a sleep routine, stress management techniques (e.g., journaling, exercise), and considering medication for sleep if necessary.
- Addressing physical symptoms like fatigue by creating a sense of safety and empowerment.
-
Interpersonal Interventions:
- Encouraging connections with non-judgmental, empathetic people, and finding supportive communities, especially those with shared experiences.
- Helping individuals communicate their needs and seek out relationships that contribute to their sense of safety and well-being.
-
Emotional and Cognitive Interventions:
- Developing emotional intelligence, understanding the function of emotions, and learning to downregulate stress responses.
- Cognitive processing therapy to challenge cognitive distortions and replace them with more balanced thinking.
-
Environmental Interventions:
- Modifying the environment to reduce triggers (e.g., removing reminders of trauma, adding comforting elements).
- Creating a safe physical space with tools like safety items, proper lighting, and mirrors to reduce stress.
Conclusion
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Strength-based approach to understanding post-traumatic stress disorder
00:06:45 - Re-experiencing Traumatic Events and Symptoms
00:13:16 - Hyper-sensitivity and extreme stress response
00:20:14 - Effects of Trauma on Trust and Relationships
00:27:06 - Managing Concentration and Memory Issues
00:33:48 - Traumatic Triggers and PTSD Risk Factors
00:40:37 - Seeking Support and Validation
00:46:55 - Strategies for Emotional Recovery and Trauma Processing
00:53:32 - Coping with Trauma
00:59:58 - Changing Beliefs and Desensitizing Symptoms
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices