Why is Complex PTSD So Hard to Treat?

 


Getting treatment right is crucial for healing from Complex PTSD (CPTSD). Too often, people aren't directed to the most effective therapies, leaving them feeling irreparably damaged and beyond hope. My journey from surviving repetitive trauma to working as a healthcare executive and clinician has shown me that healing is possible and resilience is within reach.


Let’s explore why CPTSD is so challenging to treat and how effective approaches can make a difference.


Why CPTSD is Hard to Treat

CPTSD is challenging because it stems from repetitive traumatic experiences, leaving you in a continual state of fight or flight. This means you are:

  • Re-experiencing the trauma through memories, nightmares, night terrors and/or flashbacks
  • Organizing your life to avoid trauma reminders
  • Struggling with negative changes in your thinking and mood
  • Dealing with dysregulated emotions 
  • Experiencing difficulty with relationships
  • Suffering from a poor self-concept

These issues arise from fundamental changes that occur in your brain, keeping you constantly on high alert and affecting your overall well-being.


Dissociation 

To cope with overwhelming stress, many with CPTSD dissociate, disconnecting from the present. While occasional dissociation is normal, frequent dissociation in CPTSD makes it hard to stay grounded and present. This disconnection can impact everyday functioning, making it difficult to engage fully in life.


Impact on Rest and Digest Functions 

Frequent dissociation and chronic stress disrupt your 'rest and digest' functions like:

  • Restful sleep
  • Digestive efficiency
  • Energy conservation
  • Nutrient absorption
  • Hormone balance
  • Emotional regulation
  • Immune function

These disruptions further complicate the healing process. If you have CPTSD, you likely have noticed these impacts. You may experience gastrointestinal difficulties, autoimmune disease, symptoms of insomnia, and other symptoms. 


Treatment Needs 

Because of the impacts and symptoms of CPTSD, effective treatment must address these challenges by:

  • Bringing you back to yourself and the present moment
  • Increasing awareness of your body
  • Calming your nervous system
  • Releasing reactive responses held in your body

Without addressing these aspects, traditional talk therapy will often fall short. There are a wide range of approaches that have extensive evidence to support their effectiveness. 


NOTE: You know the expression, "If it hurts when you do it, don't do it." This is a commonly understood approach when you have an injury and are healing from it. Use the same rule of thumb for interventions you employ to help you heal. When trying approaches, pay attention to whether or not you believe it is helping. Some evidence-based approaches may help some people while serving as a trigger for others; EMDR is a good example of this. So, if you feel triggered by an approach, meaning you notice an increase in symptoms like nightmares, dissociation, etc., it's time to pursue something else. It is NOT an indication that you are too tough of a case and cannot be helped. 

 

Closing 

Explore evidence-based approaches on my website at https://www.resolvetorise.com/trauma-and-treatment (for videos) and https://www.resolvetorise.com/resources (for information and books). Remember, CPTSD may be hard to treat, but it is treatable, and you can heal. Follow for more insights and support on your healing journey! #HealingJourney #CPTSDRecovery"


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