Complex trauma is the emotional and psychological damage caused by repeated or prolonged exposure to traumatic events, such as child abuse or domestic violence. It is different from a single traumatic incident (e.g. car accident or natural disaster) for complex trauma often involves repeated/recurring exposure to situations like severe neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, etc. These incidents frequently take place in settings where an individual feels unsafe and has no way to leave.
An inability to form healthy relationships is a principal characteristic of complex trauma. This battle often began at an early age, as people struggled to develop trust in those in authority over them. For kids who grow up in violent or chaotic homes, however, the constant threat of assault can make it tough to connect with others. This can make children feel alone, and they end up struggling at a subconscious level to trust people around them, which then interferes with genuine connections.
Those who are complex trauma-affected also find it challenging to regulate their emotions. Their own inner world may seem erratic; one moment feeling on top of the world, the next feeling numb, or overtaken by stormy emotions that seem inconsistent to what is happening in reality. This feeling of emptiness can only contribute to an even greater divide in personal and social engagements, making it harder to develop the intimate relations with others that so many are able to do without a second thought. Feeling trapped when trying to work through painful emotions is difficult. The desire to connect is strong; however, the fear of getting hurt is also overwhelming. Early trauma significantly impacts how a person is able to find purpose in life and build meaningful relationships in a healthy manner.
The impacts of complex trauma are vast and far-reaching. Difficulty with work, school, or relationships, especially when coupled with feelings of depression or anxiety, might really affect how someone copes with overwhelming stress. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, and concentration problems. Many are isolated, not able to connect their feelings to others, and afraid that no one else will understand.
Treatment will likely involve specialized therapy to heal from complex trauma. While there is no magic bullet, working through trauma while developing new coping strategies is a key focus of therapy; in particular, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) have been effective. EMDR, for those who don’t know, is a form of therapy that uses eye movements to help you review and relate past traumatic memories in an attempt to dilute the emotional component so we can see our experiences more clearly without feeling attached or disturbed by them. Dialectical behavior therapy on the other hand is comprised of cognitive-behavioral strategies and mindfulness practices as a way to address issues related to emotion regulation, relationships and self-harming behavior. Community resources and help from friends and family members also can aid in recovery.
Arbor Wellness is dedicated to helping you piece together the aspects of your life that may feel fragmented. For those trying to deal with the complex trauma or who have done so in the past, it is vital that the impact of their feelings is understood. Together, we can focus on building a caring healing space. Call Arbor Wellness now and experience award-wining mental healthcare!
Sources:
https://www.ncdsv.org/
https://www.complextrauma.org/complex-trauma/complex-trauma-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-affect-people/
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2005-00001-006
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_violence_in_the_United_States
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dialectical_behavior_therapy
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/domestic-violence
https://psychcentral.com/health/effects-of-emotional-abuse#mental-health-impacts
https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/early-childhood-trauma/effects
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-are-flashbacks
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22641-emdr-therapy
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/dialectical-behavior-therapy
https://www.verywellmind.com/dialectical-behavior-therapy-1067402
https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/stress/benefits-of-mindfulness