What Is Complex Trauma & How Does It Develop
The umbrella of trauma is large and encompassing. Most people have experienced something that has impacted them in a harmful way. For some, those experiences can be left in the past, and life can carry on.
With complex trauma, these experiences and memories are a significant part of the present moment. Research has shown that complex trauma is just as prevalent as PTSD.
Complex Trauma: What is it?
Typically, when you think of trauma, what comes to mind is more associated with a singular incident. An event, like physical assault, sexual violence, the sudden loss of a loved one, or combat, for example, which are one-time occurrences, may leave a lasting negative impact on a person.
When it comes to complex trauma, the impact and effect can be more significant. Complex trauma is the result of repeated trauma, either as a child or an adult. This trauma is more likely to occur between people rather than an event or situation. It’s also more likely to be planned out and not coincidental.
Symptoms of Complex Trauma
Symptoms of complex trauma by default will overlap some with regular trauma and PTSD. You’ll probably feel anxious and have a heightened nervous system. You’re likely to experience flashbacks of the trauma when triggered. As a result, you may avoid certain situations and people to reduce those symptoms.
Complex trauma may also cause additional symptoms like a lapse in memory, dissociation, and depersonalization. You may have more trouble with emotional regulation, making relationships difficult to maintain or progress.
Due to heightened arousal, you may experience sleep disturbances or nightmares. Reduced sleep can cause cognitive difficulties, depression, agitation, and negative viewpoints. Being under consistent stress can lower your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses and the development of medical conditions.
The circumstances surrounding your complex trauma may make you feel ashamed, have lower self-esteem, feel unsafe, and be less likely to trust people in general. The symptoms can become very disruptive and intrusive to your daily life, making your quality of life poor.
Examples of Complex Trauma
Complex trauma is characterized by ongoing fear and distrust, helplessness, and feeling trapped. It’s more commonly seen in childhood situations, including inappropriate sexual relations or abuse, neglect, children having to act in a parental role, being held captive, or enmeshment.
Living in a war-struck area or an area of public unrest can lead to complex trauma. Human trafficking is another example of a situation that leads to complex trauma.
How Complex Trauma Develops
After experiencing trauma, your limbic system becomes activated, which also activates your fight or flight (or freeze) response. Stress hormones are released and increased while bodily systems that aren’t necessary begin to shut down.
When you’re dealing with that one-time traumatic event, after it passes, your parasympathetic nervous system activates to return your mind and body to a state of calm. Your functioning returns to normal, and you can move on relatively unscathed.
With complex trauma, since the trauma is chronic and recurring, your body doesn’t have the chance to return to homeostasis. Instead, your limbic system stays active as a protection/defense mechanism.
Since your body doesn’t stop the overdrive, that essentially becomes the new normal. Your brain starts to adjust, allowing complex trauma to set in.
How to Heal
Depending on your circumstances, there are effective coping strategies to alleviate your symptoms, including breathing exercises, practicing mindfulness, sleep hygiene, and exercise.
As more of an understanding has been gained, more treatment options have emerged, such as CBT and EMDR. If you’re experiencing symptoms of complex trauma, you don’t have to continue to suffer, and you’re not alone.
Recovery is possible with time and effective treatment. Use our contact information to schedule a consultation to discuss trauma therapy.