How Did I Get CPTSD, Anyway?
Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is different from PTSD in ways relevant to how we untangle ourselves from our traumatized reactions and perceptions.
Experiences that could lead to CPTSD:
Parents and/or caregivers who behave in ways that are frightening, unpredictable, or overwhelming
Ongoing childhood neglect
Prolonged exposure to domestic violence and addiction
Receiving repetitive abuse due to mental or physical illness
Being bullied at school, on your job, or in your communities
Poverty
Social discrimination
Houselessness
Incarceration and institutionalization
Being the target of harassment or stalking
Being held hostage, abducted, or taken as a political prisoner
A dating relationship or marriage in which one is manipulated or otherwise treated poorly
Being part of a high control group
Harassment or abuse in the Workplace
Contributing factors to the development of CPTSD:
Intensity, duration, and timing. The first three years of life and those years between 13 to 17 are both periods when a person is highly susceptible to developing CPTSD.
Parental Afflictions: Traumatized parents respond differently to their children and teach their children to engage defensive actions even when no threats are present.
In-Utero Influence: Children born after an event that could cause the pregnant parent to develop PTSD are born with lower birth weights and cortisol levels than their untraumatized counter parts.
Family Dynamics: Parents have different relationships and different dynamics with each of their children. It absolutely happens that some children develop CPTSD from their childhood home while their siblings who grew up in the same house, do not.
Not everyone will develop C/PTSD from the same or similar experiences. Even siblings raised in the same environment can have very different responses to events and the behaviors of others. This fact can feel devastating to those who develop long term pain from their past interactions. It is an understandable reaction, very human, but the brain and nervous system have their own truth outside of our penchant for comparing ourselves to others. The reality is — there are reasons, a mix of internal traits and external supports, for the differing symptoms among those who experience traumatizing circumstances.
Factors that contribute to the development of resilience:
Supportive, Stable Relationships. A secure bond with at least one reliable adult can be sufficient for creating a sense of foundation. This could be a coach or a neighbor or a friend of the family. Just one adult who can validate the child’s worth can make all the difference.
Emotional Regulation Skills. The ability to name feelings is integral to processing hardship and confusion. The more accurately we identify emotions as they occur, the better we manage our relationships. Self-soothing, problem solving, and asking for help are skills that reduce anxiety and foster connection.
Autonomy & Agency. Making choices for oneself and learning from one’s own mistakes offers a sense of control. Responsibilities, such as taking care of siblings or pets, builds confidence.
Positive Beliefs and Self-Concept. A sense that life has meaning; belonging to a team or fandom, exploring spirituality or fantasy, or helping others. The desire to meet challenges and overcome obstacles leads to perseverance which builds self-reliance.
Safe & Predictable Environments. Predictability reduces stress and supports emotional regulation. A stable address and school routine supports regulation especially if one of those environments provides for specific needs.
Opportunity for Mastery. Succeeding at something like sports or academic studies builds confidence, buffers stress, and fosters the ability to focus. Creating in the arts teaches flexibility and problem solving which can greatly reduce frustration.
