A lot of people have heard of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but there is another form of the condition that is less commonly understood. It’s called complex-PTSD.
Unlike PTSD, which can arise from a single, traumatic event, C-PTSD develops over time due to chronic trauma, such as ongoing abuse or neglect, especially during critical developmental periods of childhood.
C-PTSD shares some of the symptoms of PTSD, including flashbacks and intrusive memories, but people with this disorder also frequently struggle with intense, unpredictable emotions, a deep-seated sense of shame, depersonalization and persistent feelings of hopelessness or even suicidal ideation.
How C-PTSD becomes disabling
C-PTSD can profoundly affect an individual’s ability to function in daily life due to:
- Impaired relationships: Sufferers have difficulty trusting others, coupled with a fear of abandonment or betrayal, which can lead to a vicious cycle of isolation. They may cycle between being overly dependent on others and then pushing those same people away, which reinforces their negative self-worth and sense of trauma.
- Emotional instability: The emotional dysregulations caused by C-PTSD can make it incredibly difficult for someone with this disorder to pursue long-term goals, focus on education, maintain steady employment or even a stable social structure. Sudden mood swings, intense anger and other negative emotions simply take over.
- Cognitive impairment: Trauma can affect a sufferer’s cognitive functions, leading to problems with memory, concentration and decision-making. This can make it difficult for them to even make everyday decisions or function without constant direction.
C-PTSD isn’t just a mental health issue. The chronic anxiety and hypervigilance, coupled with the trauma, can be physically exhausting. The constant stress can also weaken their immune systems and may contribute to comorbidities like chronic pain, heart disease, diabetes and autoimmune disorders.
If you or your loved one has C-PTSD and are unable to work, assistance is available. Legal guidance can help you assert your rights to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.