There are many different sayings out there about life:
“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” – Forest Gump
“Life is like a roller coaster. It has its ups and downs, but it’s your choice to scream or enjoy the ride.” – Unknown
Life is filled with both positive and negative experiences. There are some days that you may want to remember forever and others that you may want to forget about.
People with complex trauma don’t always have this luxury. Their past doesn’t always stay in the past. Let’s learn more about complex trauma.
What Is Complex Trauma?
Trauma occurs after a negative experience or event. Complex trauma occurs from a series of multiple negative experiences or events, often in the context of an important relationship like with your parents or partner. This form of trauma means that the body and brain are constantly having to adjust and adapt to any perceived threats. This means that it’s consistently going into fight, flight, freeze, or fawn mode.
The Causes
Complex trauma is caused by the body not being able to return to a state of normalcy after experiencing a negative event. Due to the series of multiple negative events that occur with complex trauma, the body has a hard time regulating and returning to normal functioning. The body is always on edge or engaged to try to protect or defend itself against any perceived threats. If complex trauma isn’t treated, the body and brain will start to operate under this new normal.
Complex trauma is normally caused in situations where someone feels an ongoing sense of fear or helplessness. Complex trauma is mainly caused throughout childhood, but adults can also develop complex trauma. These are some of the most common causes of complex trauma:
- Abandonment
- Captivity
- Emotional abuse
- Human trafficking
- Medical abuse or trauma
- Neglect
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Torture
- War
The Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of complex trauma are pretty similar to those of other forms of trauma. These are some of the most common signs and symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Avoiding peoples or places that act as a reminder of the trauma that occurred
- Dissociation
- Distorted sense of self
- Flashbacks
- Hyperarousal
- Inability to control emotions
- Low self-esteem
- Memory problems
- Relationship struggles
- Sleeping problems
How to Heal from Complex Trauma
It may not seem like it right now, but healing from complex trauma is possible. There are certain coping mechanisms and relaxation techniques that you can implement on your own end.
Practice Deep Breathing
Deep breathing can help bring your body back to the present moment instead of thinking about past actions, people, or events. Try out different breathing techniques and see what works best for you.
Take Care of Yourself
Trauma can make it more difficult to meet your basic human needs. Make sure that you’re taking the time to eat in a way that takes care of your body, drink enough water, aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night, and try to move your body for at least thirty minutes each day.
Seek Additional Support
When it comes to trauma, the best treatment option is to seek additional support. There isn’t a replacement for proper treatment. Despite what your body and brain may be trying to convince you, you’re not alone. You’re stronger than you think.
Since there are many different forms, causes, signs, and symptoms of trauma, there are many different highly effective treatment options for trauma. Therapy isn’t a “one size fits all” treatment, so it’s important that your therapist is a good fit for you and will adjust the treatment to meet your unique needs. If you’re interested in exploring therapy for complex trauma, reach out today to set up a consultation.