PTSD vs CPTSD: Understanding Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

This video describes the difference between PTSD and CPTSD. Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is largely neglected and misunderstood. This video explores the causes, history, and diagnosis of PTSD and CPTSD.

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[tinaleubecker]

I have c-PTSD and I was recently ‘triggered’ (in quotes because I really don’t like using that word; to me, it connotes weakness) and even all of these years later, the intense abuse from childhood which spilled into adulthood, can cause me to unravel a bit. But I’m healing all the time and I thank you for your explanation and differentiation. Most people hear PTSD and say therapy, and while different therapy modalities are helpful, most psychologists & psychiatrists cannot touch on something they do not understand or are not allowed to or willing to explore. I found traditional therapy useless. In fact, it only took about three sessions to convince me that it was all me in the relationship and I should ignore all of my impulses because I can’t believe myself due to horrific and sustained childhood abuse. The decision I made after that based on this professional’s personal opinion almost ruined my life. Because of this, I stay alone and seek no therapy. It’s not the therapist’s fault, I didn’t have to listen to her. And I’m not unhappy. I’m not unfulfilled. I am, however, sad that there are so many of us who’ve suffered as children tremendous pain & heartache and the treatments that could be had are not offered. Maybe not treatments so much as just being understood. But better yet, we should figure out what causes some people to harm others (not all of them were abused themselves); is it evil, is it lack of empathy (psychosis)? Regardless, until the bad element is eradicated, people like me will continue to exist so I do not see why there is not a professional distinction between them so that people with c-PTSD can get the targeted help they need (and I don’t necessarily mean medication; I, for one, am against Big Pharma).

[GrouchyBeardO]

I have been dealing with CPTSD issues since 2011. Lots of different therapists over the years. I am starting EMDR with my current therapist. We have done some small starter sessions, I am excited to hopefully get some relief and release these trapped emotions.

[CB]

Your description about "cptsd is largely neglected and misunderstood" probably describes how every person with cptsd feels. I went to an NHS mental health appointment and said I thought I had it, the nurse said there's no such thing and I'll never recover from the trauma and will just have to learn to live with it! Set my recovery back by 6years!

[Analysis_Paralysis]

It's so soothing and grounding to listen to you and your calm voice.

(I really like people with friendly eyes and your friendly manner has a positive impact on me.)

Thank you for providing all this information. I feel like I've now finally understood what CPTSD is, and what steps I can take to recover from it! 🙏🏻

[brabbit]

Sorry the second you said emdr i had to pause, my therapist used to do emdr with me in a very basic form and it worked well, i was diagnosed informally with cptsd but even so I've been living functional for about 6 years unmedicated & emdr really did help

[ChosenIsOfTheEgo]

Wow me and my therapist were going over this yesterday .

Let me watch .

[Imjustagrl]

Thank you! ❤️ I started dancing again at the beginning of 2024. I was having severe anxiety, almost full panic attacks when my dance instructor would stand behind me for certain steps. It felt normal to be hyper vigilant in public as I live in a big city, and have experienced, being followed, stalking and some uncomfortable situations. Why was it happening in a space I felt was safe? I realized when I can't see, feel or smell someone, I get anxious, and mirrors make it worse. I am slowly healing, as knowing is half the battle, and this video was super helpful and informative.

[autumn]

This is one of the most helpful videos on the subject I've found so far, especially because of the information on a variety of treatment options, and ending with an encouraging introduction to the idea of post traumatic growth. Thak you!

[CountdownVideoPro]

One of the best resources on the internet I found on these topics. Thank you.

[JamesDobson-qwtk]

Great talk. The most potent trio of modalities that l have used to overcome CPTSD are sustained and regular Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), deep tissue massage, and regular micro dosing with Psilocybin. Body based therapies in the present are absolutely more potent than "head based". Of course unconditional love and unwavering support are invaluable at the same time, but recovery and optimistic futures are entirely possible 😀

[angelamossucco]

Your lecture is beautiful calm and informative with much good information. Thank you.

[edytawas]

Thank you very much Scott for explaining trauma and different methods of healing from it. It was good to hear that yoga is a very valuable tool to heal from trauma. I would love to hear about it more . Thank you 🥰

[runningsrage]

The narcissistic family that I was born into caused me to develop Cptsd. The abuse starts in elementary school. A few years go by and in 6th grade my symptoms of Cptsd come along. Suddenly my whole personality changed. I had so much Anger than before and I felt like I was on the edge. (hyper vigilant) I was dealing with panic attacks and flashbacks. Mostly stemming from abuse/fresh bad memories. Like right after an Intense family argument which escalated to yelling. Then afterwards we all avoided each other.

The types of abuse being verbal, mental, emotional from my narcissistic dad and golden child brother. Not to mention all the gaslighting and constant yelling towards me. My mom is a covert narcissist so her abuse was harder to notice but it was the same nonetheless. She was the victim and I was the “bad child”. She spread all of these lies to my brother. She brainwashed him against me and she made me jealous of him from the completely different treatment we received. When I was younger I knew all of them were against me and It’s wasn’t that difficult to notice.

Anyways I’m glad that now I have diagnoses that explain everything that I was confused about. My autism and Cptsd mainly. I’m a young adult now and they can’t blame me for anything anymore. I 100% know when I’m right vs when I’m wrong. I’m thankful for my boyfriend that I met in 2023 he helped me by giving/showing me the love I deserve. He needed my support as much as I needed his. I despised dating before because I didn’t want a relationship with an abuser. I wasn’t even searching and somehow we still met lol. He’s helped me heal my inner child and depression a lot. He got me video games I used to play or never got the chance to play. Things I never asked for as a kid because of “financial issues”.

[annedebrams]

Yes I am a survivor as well and thank you for the yoga and all of what you shared I now realize I can go forward with Post Traumatic.

[lensinmotion]

Love these snippits of education and wisdom. You've earned a subscription from me.

[rnwl]

Thank you so much for this informative piece. I am a trauma survivor with CPTSD. Meditation would be an amazing relief for me, however, I also have ADHD. Although I do take medication which has brought so much improvement, I am not able to meditate. My thoughts wont allow it. Best wishes from Belgium.

[elysianfields]

This was a really good video! Clear, concise, insightful. Thank you!

[DUSKvsDAWN]

"trauma is often caused by other humans, so it's pretty normal people might look to religion or spirituality to heal from trauma"

as someone who chose the spiritual path, this is so damn true.

[katrinat.]

Great description about yoga. I feel like it calms the mind-body connection.

[karinturkington]

This is the best video I've seen on this topic. Thank you so much.