Complex Ptsd

[Flower Power]

I found any time I had to confront my therapist it was an incredible growth opportunity for me to grow through the fear I had about supporting myself and establishing healthy boundaries no matter who they were. Owning my voice with my therapist was a safe place for me to do that, and it really helped me grow. Was terrifying the first time though. Just knew he was going to through me out with the bath water, but that was not true. He made me verify with him what I was thinking and give him them opportunity to reassure me that it was ok for me to support him as well when something triggered me, etc. Was very powerful work.

 

[Laurie2001]

To me, if you are regressing that is an opportunity to work on the stage of development you are regre...

Yes I do. Thank you.

 

[Laurie2001]

I found any time I had to confront my therapist it was an incredible growth opportunity for me to g...

Yes, after years of doing this, I am able to say what I feel and need. And she's good at hearing me. She's also good at pointing out that I haven't lost her if at times we don't agree. So she's good. But its still hard.

 

[Laurie2001]

To me, if you are regressing that is an opportunity to work on the stage of development you are regre...

I did want to add to your comment about shame. I definitely feel that a lot. More than I was aware of in the past. Shame especially about how the past has effected me and makes me feel different. And I'm ashamed that I was so triggered in group. This is process is so tough. But I appreciate your comments.

 

[katz]

I am feeling totally hopeless about getting to a better place regarding my symptoms. There are so ma...

Laurie2001
((( ))) hugs to you for going thru so much. I think I understand what your feeling. I also had many "demons" hurt me, some family, some strangers. So, there are lots of thoughts, memories, and flashbacks with pictures. I seem to get a lot of just images.

I know that this works for me. I see it all as papers scattered all over the floor. I pick up one page at a time and read it. It gives me a chance to remember--only a little bit at a time. I have been in the hospital a few times when they overwhelmed me. Once I have read the paper, and remembered enough to mourn it and cry, I can file it in the cabinet in the corner. (I even think of a file cabinete with a drawer for each "demon".) This way I have put it in the past. I also know that I have dealt with it. I know that it will always be there as part of my past, but I don't need to think about it anymore. I know that I have a lot of "papers" to pick up, but I also remind myself that I only need to remember enough of each tradegy to satisfy me--and only me. I know that I don't want to remember all of each time--just enough to let me feel it, and cry about it. Till I can cry no more. Then I can "file" it away.

Maybe this image will give you the hope you need to remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Don't let anyone tell you that you need to rush it. Give yourself some love, and forgiveness and do it the way you need to, even if it feels like two steps forward and then one step back. Always believe in yourself.
The best wishes to you on your journey......

 

[Chava]

Takes a lot of time and also getting better at noticing what you are doing well, where you feel okay, and allowing yourself more spaces to feel good things like calm or joy or happiness (saying this because I've had a hard time even tolerating good feelings, and glad my therapist has understood that and not pushed me to go have more "fun"). It's so easy to count all the ways I'm not getting it right, but it's helpful to get better at noticing where I'm actually doing better and presently...pretty much okay.

 

[katz]

Could someone explain to me what the difference is between PTSD and Complex PTSD? Is it just a matter of how many people abused you? Or is it the symtoms that your going thru now because of it?

 

[Friday]

if it cuts you to the quick and you feel not empathized with at such an intensely vulnerable moment it just throws you.

In my experience, while that may not be what's wanted, it's sometimes exactly what's needed. Something so startling it helps you back your shit down, instead of getting consumed or caught up by it. Not always, but it can be a very useful tool.

 

[Friday]

Could someone explain to me what the difference is between PTSD and Complex PTSD? I

There's no such thing as Complex PTSD, there's only PTSD.

There have been several proposals made to create a new disorder heading but, in no small part, no one can agree on a definition. So when people say "complex PTSD", I generally just ignore it. Because what they actually mean? No effing idea. Some people mean childhood trauma, even if it wasn't complex trauma. Some people mean long running trauma, even if it's not complex. Some people mean complex trauma, regardless of duration, or effect. Some people mean effect, regardless of cause. Some people mean developmental trauma. Some, some, some, some...there's no actual definition to go look up anywhere... So it means whatever the hell the person saying it wants it to mean. Aka ??????? It could mean anything, because it means nothing.

 

[Gadgie]

Quote........."here's no such thing as Complex PTSD, there's only PTSD. "

Aye! that's like being a little bit pregnant?

 

[RussH]

Could someone explain to me what the difference is between PTSD and Complex PTSD?

While there is no official diagnosis of complex PTSD, the most common use of the term deals with people who have been traumatized over a period of time. The most common examples of this would be prisoner of war who were abused while in captivity, or kidnapped victims that have been repeatedly abused over a period of time. The proponents of cPTSD will point to symptoms that are unique to people who have suffered this kind of trauma.
PTSD is generally acknowledged to be the result of a single traumatic event.

 

[katz]

So, you think that I should call mine complex? Since I had multiple men over many years? Or does it not matter at all?