Complex PTSD

Daydream · 04-03-2008, 04:18 PM

I've been to the psychologist today. My diagnosis came up randomly in a conversation. She said I've had moderately depressive episodes and complex PTSD. Its the complex PTSD that confuses me. I thought I just had regular PTSD. Whats the difference? >.<

Stellata · 04-03-2008, 04:32 PM

I'll get back to this when I get home from work.

Complex PTSD is a result of multiple traumas, and/or having lived in a traumatic situation that endured over many years, from which there was no escape.
Basically, you have the 'regular' PTSD stuff, as well as difficulty regulating difficult feelings.

foxfly · 05-03-2008, 01:10 AM

I've tried to research this before.

Am I allowed to link to sites here? I'm sorry if I'm not.

I think this gives a helpful overview of who might be at risk and some of the differences:
http://anxiety.emedtv.com/complex-pt...plex-ptsd.html

IDK much about it, but a therapist suggested I could have it once, so I've looked into it a little.

falling tears · 05-03-2008, 01:25 AM

Hey , ive been diagnosed with this also and its cos i went through a bit of traumor and i think the reason its called complex is cos there is so much of it and its not just one traumatic experiance.... its more complex.
ps... i hope you soon find it easier to deal with.

x-dying-inside-x · 05-03-2008, 06:32 PM

i have that.
i was told because ive not just had one trauma but meny.

Queer Fringe · 05-03-2008, 06:55 PM

the family therapist said I am a bit like someone with PTSD but I don't completely have it, but then she said i dont need help...? sorry that was no help :-P take care *hug*
xx

Stellata · 05-03-2008, 07:17 PM

I didn't get back to this until now.
Is there anything you'd like further help with in understanding?

I have Complex PTSD, as a result of birth trauma, early isolation/separation, witnessing domestic violence, being 'imprisoned' in my father's dictatorial world, and being bullied and persecuted by my peers over more than a decade.
In my case, each trauma added onto the original one of not feeling like I belonged in the world, and that people don't want me here. This is something that I have internalised, and attack myself with very often.
Plus having my aliveness squashed, and being in a permanent state of powerlessness.

Daydream · 07-03-2008, 07:07 PM

Quote:

...being bullied and persecuted by my peers over more than a decade...

...In my case, each trauma added onto the original one of not feeling like I belonged in the world, and that people don't want me here. This is something that I have internalised, and attack myself with very often...

I know the feeling. I have been bullied (emotionally/mentally/physically) by peers for about 10 years or so, and I'm almost 17 now. It got worse in secondary school and none of my "friends" seemed to notice, or even care. Even though I'm not in the situation where I can be bullied now, I still have the flashbacks, especially out in public, seeing someone that used to bully me or even just hearing their names trigger them sometimes. When I was in hospital I often talked of letting the bullies win once and for all. I still do think of it.

*trigger*
Is there any reason I get flashbacks of when I was SH-ing too? Just wondering.

Stellata · 08-03-2008, 08:12 AM

You were hurt physically by them, so I would say that flashbacks whilst self harming are entirely understandable.