Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is a condition that emerges from prolonged exposure to traumatic events, often of an interpersonal nature. This condition is particularly prevalent among emergency service workers due to their repeated exposure to stressful and traumatic situations.
By offering content-free therapy, you can release your stress and anxiety without having to talk through it or even tell me about it. While you cannot remove the memories, you can learn to replay them in your mind with less or no emotional connection. I have helped a number of emergency service workers turn their CPTSD around and reclaim their positive, active lives. Seeking professional assistance and building a network of support can pave the way to better mental health and a more fulfilling life. If you or someone you know is struggling with CPTSD, stress or anxiety, remember that hope and help are available. Contact me now at Rik@CPTSDrelief.co.uk.
Understanding Complex PTSD
CPTSD differs from the more commonly known PTSD. While PTSD usually results from a single traumatic event, CPTSD arises from prolonged or repeated trauma. This distinction is crucial for emergency service workers who face not just one-off traumatic incidents, but a continuous barrage of distressing experiences, often in understaffed and high-pressure environments.
Why is Complex PTSD So Debilitating?
CPTSD can be incredibly debilitating due to its pervasive impact on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical health. The symptoms of CPTSD are more complex and enduring than those of PTSD and include difficulties in regulating emotions, maintaining relationships, and experiencing a sense of identity and purpose.
Can you imagine waking up and not wanting to get out of bed? Imagine not wanting to communicate with anyone, feeling completely isolated even when surrounded by loved ones. Picture coming home after your days off and not having the ability to leave your house for the next few days, trapped by an overwhelming sense of dread and anxiety. This is the reality for many living with CPTSD.
For emergency service workers, the cumulative stress from chronic trauma exposure can lead to a sense of helplessness, persistent anxiety, and profound despair. These symptoms often creep up unnoticed by the sufferer. No one incident is the trigger; it is the build-up of stressful or traumatic events. Over time, the symptoms become habitual, normalised thoughts that compound and worsen. This relentless stress can cause cognitive impairments, emotional numbness, and an overwhelming sense of being on edge, making daily functioning extremely challenging. The constant exposure to trauma can erode the ability to feel safe, connected, or even alive, turning every day into a battle for survival.
What Should You Not Say to Someone with CPTSD?
When interacting with someone suffering from CPTSD, it is essential to communicate with sensitivity and understanding. Here are a few things you should avoid saying:
1. “Just get over it.” – This dismisses the severity of their experiences and the profound impact on their mental health.
2. “It wasn’t that bad.” – Minimising their trauma invalidates their feelings and experiences.
3. “Others have it worse.” – Comparing traumas is unhelpful and can make the person feel guilty or ashamed for struggling.
4. “You need to be stronger.” – Suggesting they lack strength can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness.
Instead, offer a listening ear, validate their experiences, and encourage them to seek professional help if they haven’t already.
The Four F’s of Complex PTSD
The four F’s—Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn—are survival responses to trauma. Understanding these can provide insight into the behaviours of those with CPTSD:
1. Fight – This response manifests as anger, irritability, or aggression. It’s a defensive mechanism aimed at self-preservation.
2. Flight – This involves avoidance behaviours, such as isolating oneself or being constantly on the move to escape perceived threats.
3. Freeze – This response can lead to dissociation, feelings of numbness, and difficulty in taking action or making decisions.
4. Fawn – This involves people-pleasing behaviours and a loss of personal identity in an attempt to appease others and avoid conflict.
For emergency service workers, these responses can be particularly pronounced due to the nature of their work. Recognising these responses can help in understanding their coping mechanisms and in providing appropriate support.
Is CPTSD Recognised in the UK?
In the UK, CPTSD is increasingly recognised by mental health professionals, though it is not yet officially included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), which is used by many healthcare providers in the UK, does include CPTSD as a distinct diagnosis.
This recognition is vital for emergency service workers who need accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans. Access to appropriate mental health services can make a significant difference in managing the symptoms of CPTSD and improving overall well-being.
What to Do When Someone with CPTSD Pushes You Away
One of the challenges in supporting someone with CPTSD is dealing with their tendency to push others away. This behaviour is often a protective mechanism to avoid further hurt or disappointment. Here are some strategies to consider:
1. Respect Their Boundaries – Understand that pushing away is a coping mechanism. Give them space when they need it, but let them know you are there for them.
2. Stay Connected – Keep the lines of communication open. Send messages of support and understanding without pressuring them to respond immediately.
3. Encourage Professional Help – Gently encourage them to seek professional help if they are not already doing so. Therapy can provide the tools needed to manage CPTSD.
4. Be Patient – Recovery from CPTSD is a long process. Be patient and consistent in your support.
Conclusion
Complex PTSD is a deeply debilitating condition, particularly for emergency service workers who face continuous exposure to traumatic events in often understaffed and high-stress environments. Understanding the nature of CPTSD, knowing what not to say, recognising the four F’s, and providing appropriate support can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected. By fostering a supportive and understanding environment, we can help our emergency service workers navigate the challenges of CPTSD and move towards healing and recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with CPTSD, remember that help is available. By reducing and managing your stress, and becoming healthier through diet and exercise, I have helped a number of emergency service workers turn their CPTSD around and reclaim their positive, active lives. Seeking professional assistance and building a network of support can pave the way to better mental health and a more fulfilling life.
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