Several life events starting from a very early age can leave an impact on our minds. When these events occur during the developmental ages of our life, they can leave scars nobody can see. Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or C-PTSD is different from PTSD that we talk about when it comes to abuse victims, war veterans, or accident survivors. In most cases, the patients of C-PTSD don’t even have an awareness that something is off because their adaptive mechanisms around such deep-seated trauma have turned them into functional human beings.
When left untreated, C-PTSD can lead to secondary mental health disorders like Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Anti-Social Personality, and other cluster B mental health conditions. On the other hand, in high functioning individuals, it can also come across as substance abuse, codependency, unexplained anxiety, or self-sabotaging traits. If you’re reading this blog, chances are that you’re aware of this condition. To help mitigate this condition, we have five essential tools to support you through your recovery journey.
1. Use trauma healing tools
There are many trauma healing tools like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Neuroplasticity programs, and Emotional Freedom Techniques among others. When combined with therapy, these tools can bring a pivotal change in your mental health, allowing you to overcome the stressors and triggers, helping you rewire your mind to thrive without chaos.
2. Take the help of CBD supplements
Taking cannabinoids to address your mental health is a very helpful step. Research has proven how C-PTSD triggers can be calmed with the help of CBD and THC, depending on the prescription of your CBT Therapists NYC. If you’re not sure which strain or product would help you and the concentration of it, these professionals will assess you to give you the required dosage and instructions needed.
3. Don’t skip therapy sessions
In therapy, there are good days and bad. However, somedays, one may feel like skipping, but it can be counteractive with the help you’re trying to receive. Whether you’re feeling good, bad, or neutral, never miss a scheduled therapy session with your practitioner. If you feel like not attending on a particular day, consult with them first instead of ghosting. Chances are that you may be able to reschedule, or the therapist will reassure your reservations well enough to attend the session.
4. Practice trigger grounding
When dealing with Complex PTSD, the smallest of things could become a trigger. for instance, a simple gesture of harmless affection can give the patient an anxiety attack if they we’re used to emotional neglect by parents in the early life stages. The key to healing is staying with these triggers and grounding yourself to establish your safety.
5. Journal your thoughts
Not sure how deep your wounds go? Try journaling your thoughts when you think of old incidents and new ones, or find parallels. This not only can help you find the missing pieces but also your mental health professional in help you better.
Wrapping Up
One thing we all deserve to be is free from our past, especially the childhood where we had so little control. We hope that these tips help you find relief and recovery from C-PTSD as per your healing timeline.
