C-PTSD AND ME

Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder develops after repeated and continuous chronic traumatic events. Those diagnosed with C-PTSD include war veterans, those who live in places were war frequents, and those who have been trafficked and/or kidnapped. C-PTSD can also be found within the early childhood due to chronic-long term abuse as the brain itself is developing at rapid speeds. The effects of C-PTSD can start to be seen directly after a prolonged traumatic event and becomes harder and harder to treat after the trauma survivor is above the age of seven.

Some of the effects of C-PTSD include severe lasting distress, intrusive and vivid flashbacks, hyper vigilance, bed wetting, forgetting speech, and living in a never ending state of fear, anxiety and survival.

I was diagnosed with C-PTSD about three and a half years ago after being misdiagnosed and treated for ADHD from the ages of seven to fifteen, taking intense prescribed medicine daily to treat my misdiagnosed “ADHD”, which ended up damaging a few of my neurological pathways. ADHD is one of the most misdiagnosed mental health disorders in our time, and doctors often misdiagnose children and prescribe heavy amphetamines and sedatives such as Adderall and Risperidone.

I participated in an in-depth five month psychological evaluation which led me to my diagnosis and interest in researching C-PTSD.

From first hand experience, I can say that almost every article I read about complex trauma describes it perfectly. They describe situations and emotions that I have been unable to put into words, which is an amazing thing. I know (to a degree) what is going on in my brain. As I dove deeper into the subject, I learned more about myself and the way my brain functions, and have been able to use some of the positive coping methods to help me in my everyday life.

My mind is constantly running at a hundred miles per hour, while trying to keep a lookout for danger, while having vivid flashbacks and memories every single day which are triggered by the most random, simplest situations and items. It is hard for one to get out of their head, especially when the chemicals in your brain won't allow you to focus on anything but what it chooses. You feel powerless, overwhelmed and afraid most of the time. Doing research and having evaluations available has helped me gain information, resources and coping methods (I would otherwise not have known) to use to go about my life peacefully, change my perspective about C-PTSD, and feel empowered.

If you or anyone you love can relate to any of these symptoms, I highly recommend doing research, and getting the support you need. Wether that is medication, therapy, or a support group. C-PTSD is a serious mental health condition that can lead those affected down very dark and lonely paths, often connected to self-harm and s*icide. You are never alone and your mental health matters. Reach out, stay informed and stay connected and if you feel the pull, share your story, you never know who you can impact and save.

Take care & learn to nurture your mind, body and soul. We only get this one life, the more you chose to heal and live fully, the more life will pour from you.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. "What Is Complex Trauma: A Resource Guide for Youth and Those Who Care About Them" https://www.nctsn.org/resources/what-complex-trauma-resource-guide-youth-and-those-who-care-about-them* Extracted: Feb 27, 2021

Donaldson, Rebecca. "The Email My Therapist Never Sent." https://cptsdfoundation.org/2021/01/14/the-email-my-ex-therapist-never-sent/* Extracted: March 2, 2021

Davis, Shirley. "Let’s Define C-PTSD" https://501c3.buzz/shirley-davis/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwi7yCBhDJARIsAMWFScOWvLY1K7irNzWTqW-N2Vp4O_8ehcSmJd2iUOy6rPBEVZQiBnNGC9MaAv5pEALw_wcB* Extracted: March 2, 2021

My older sister and I.

New York circa 2004 ish.