Complex Trauma: Understanding the Lasting Impact of Repeated Hurt

When I first heard of the term ‘complex trauma’ and what it meant, a light bulb went off in my head. I was ecstatic! It explained so much about my own suffering and the suffering I was seeing in my clients. As therapists, we knew that trauma existed beyond PTSD, but it was shrouded in diagnoses like ‘Borderline Personality Disorder’, which pathologized our clients. But our clients aren’t problems, they’re people – with stories and explanations and insights and resilience!

So, if you’ve got some emotions and behaviors that you don’t understand and cause you frequent distress in a variety of areas in your life, keep reading.

What is Complex Trauma?

Complex trauma is a deep and lasting form of hurt that can affect many parts of a person’s life. It’s different from other types of trauma because it happens over and over, often starting when someone is young. In this blog post, we’ll explore what complex trauma is, how it affects people, and ways to start healing.

Complex trauma happens when a person goes through many traumatic events over time. These events are usually:

• Ongoing or repeated
• Caused by other people, often those who should be trusted
• Hard or impossible to escape from

Some examples of situations that can cause complex trauma are:

• Childhood abuse or neglect
• Domestic violence
• Being in war or conflict zones
• Human trafficking
• Living in extreme poverty

How Complex Trauma Affects People

Complex trauma can impact almost every part of a person’s life. Here are some ways it might show up:

1. Emotional struggles: People might have trouble managing their feelings. They may feel very sad, angry, or scared a lot of the time.
2. Relationship problems: It can be hard to trust others or feel close to people. Some might push others away or get into unhealthy relationships.
3. Self-esteem issues: Many people with complex trauma have a negative view of themselves. They might feel worthless or deeply ashamed.
4. Physical health: Trauma can affect the body too. People might have headaches, stomach problems, or other unexplained pains.
5. Mental health: Complex trauma can lead to conditions like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
6. Behavior changes: Some people might use drugs or alcohol to cope. Others might harm themselves or take risks.
7. Memory and focus: It can be hard to concentrate or remember things clearly.

The Path to Healing

Healing from complex trauma is possible, but it takes time and support. Here are some steps that can help:

1. Seek professional help: A therapist who understands trauma can be a big support. They can help you process your experiences and learn coping skills.
2. Build a support network: Connecting with caring people can help you feel less alone. This could be friends, family, or support groups.
3. Practice self-care: Taking care of your body and mind is important. This might include exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep.
4. Learn grounding techniques: These are ways to feel more present and calm when you’re upset. Deep breathing or focusing on your senses can help.
5. Be patient with yourself: Healing isn’t a straight line. It’s okay to have good days and bad days.
6. Explore different therapies: There are many types of therapy that can help with complex trauma. Some examples are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and Somatic Experiencing.
7. Consider medication: Sometimes, medication can help manage symptoms like depression or anxiety. Talk to a doctor about whether this might be helpful for you.

Remember: You’re Not Alone

If you’re dealing with complex trauma, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. More people than we realize have gone through similar experiences. It is not your fault that these things happened to you, and yet, only you can heal the wounds they created.

Healing from complex trauma is a journey. It might feel hard or scary at times, but with the right help and support, it is possible to find peace and build a life you feel good about. Take small steps, be kind to yourself, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.

Learn More

If you’re interested in learning more about complex trauma, we welcome you to visit our Trauma Therapy Page.

If you’d like to reach out to us, you can  click this link.