PTSD and CPTSD Awareness

This article is written by Renée Robson.
Renée is a trauma-informed yoga teacher and mental wellbeing and complex trauma advocate. She works with leaders specialising in transformational learning, facilitating conversations and action to create psychosocially safe, trauma-informed leadership practices that translate into more creative, innovative and collaborative teams.

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PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and CPTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) are a lot more complex than fun adjectives and something Veterans might have. It’s the rewiring of the brain as a result of trauma, known to leave a similar physical imprint as a stroke on the brain.

PTSD (including CPTSD) impacts an estimated 11% of the Australian population (twice as likely for women as men).

Intersectionality (different parts of a person's identity - ie sex, religion, ability, geographic location - and how they may intersect to expose them to overlapping forms of discrimination) means that some groups may be more likely to experience trauma and find it harder to get help.

Our societal systems (workplaces, healthcare, education, government) have a LONG way to go in reducing the re-traumatisation of people with trauma-informed systems, strategies and upskilling. Proactive investment in healthcare, education and community services are essential - more so, proactive parenting support for at-risk parents, good social services and evidence-based support are critical for the next generation.

Action must be taken as a community. But individually, people need the resources, opportunity and supports to navigate their own healing journey.

We can do better in so many ways.

For urgent support contact Lifeline (Australia) on 131114. Globally check out helpguide.org for local mental health support services.

PTSD is something that mostly Veterans have right?

PTSD is something those who have been in war/conflict may experience, but anyone who goes through a traumatic event (or events) can develop PTSD. PTSD can occur when people aren’t able to exercise autonomy/agency in stressful situations. It is often referred to as ‘too much, too fast, too soon.’

PTSD and CPTSD

PTSD

• Exposure to trauma, re-experiencing that trauma (flashbacks), avoidance, negative alterations in mood and hyperarousal.

CPTSD

• Exposure to multiple traumas that meet the PTSD criteria, often as a child/young person.
• CPTSD must include the above criteria, but also includes disturbances in self-identity, relational difficulties and significant emotional dysregulation.

The body keeps the score

Eastern medicine has taught this for many years, and yoga devotees and readers of van der Kolk and similar researchers will know - trauma ‘lives’ in the body long after the event/s have passed.

That tension, and those physiological changes, can increase the chances of many later-life health and wellbeing issues.

The CDC-Kaiser ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Study

One of the world’s largest studies on childhood abuse and neglect.

The 10 ACES of trauma questionnaire gives a person a score/number - the higher the number the increased likelihood of adverse health/wellbeing impacts.

It’s not all bad

Trauma can make you funny.

And, even better….

Neural pathways and bodies can be made safe again. People find healing and growth all the time, and there is a heap of research to help find what might work for you.

Resources and research

Some of my favourites and highly recommended researchers/authors include:

• “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
• “The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation” by Deb Dana.
• “Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving” by Pete Walker.
• “Healing Trauma: Restoring the Wisdom of Your Body” by Peter A. Levine.
• “The Complex PTSD Workbook: A Mind-Body Approach to Regaining Emotional Control and Becoming Whole” by Dr. Arielle Schwartz. 

No two people are the same

Therefore therapy/support looks different for different people too.

Learning to feel safe in your body, recognise feelings/emotions and respond to them accordingly is the first priority.

Physical practices like yoga, tai chi, martial arts and dance have all shown in studies to help this process. Synchronising breath and being present in the moment (ie not living in the past/future) are the key things to work towards. 

Moving towards relief looks different for everyone

EMDR and tapping are tools that can reduce the emotional charge of traumatic memories through bilateral stimulation. These are just some of many supports that can work for different people.

Healing in community is key - it can be hard to find your tribe, and people can seem scary, but community and love are incredible tools for creating genuinely safe spaces and support.