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The visibility oftraumaas a widespread clinical ailment is gaining steam.
The general public’s increasing knowledge of trauma is due to howcommon traumatic experiences are.
In the same study, 30% of folks reported experiencing four or more traumatic events within their lifetime.
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As the knowledge of trauma expands, there is increased awareness of the different types of trauma responses.
This article will explorecomplex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD)caused bynarcissistic abuse.
Read on to learn more about the signs, diagnosis, and treatment of C-PTSD because of abuse.
We will begin by exploring C-PTSD and narcissistic abuse separately and then dive into how they connect.
Understanding C-PTSD
Lets begin with understanding what C-PTSD is and is not.
Instead, it is a set of symptoms that presents as a variation of PTSD.
While this plea has not been answered just yet, professionals may include it in future editions.
C-PTSD is a set of maladaptive responses that present themselves in daily life.
These responses include issues with emotional regulation, negative self-talk, and struggles in relationships.
This abuse can be physical or psychological.
What Is Narcissistic Abuse?
It isnt uncommon to hear the word narcissist thrown around to describe someone who is self-obsessed.
However, narcissism can often refer to narcissistic traits.
The latter is an example ofnarcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
It is essential to recognize that not all people who have narcissistic traits or experience NPD will become abusive.
However, this definition has expanded to include psychological abuse between adults.
This abuse can include constant manipulation, humiliation, and devaluation.
What Is C-PTSD From Narcissistic Abuse?
Remember, C-PTSD is triggered by repeated and prolonged exposure to abuse, including psychological abuse.
Below are some common signs:
Treatment
Healing is possible.
They will assess for any mental health diagnoses that could be causing the emotional discomfort.
Recommended treatments includepsychotherapyandsomatic therapy.
There is often a stabilization period in the initial stages of beginning psychotherapy for C-PTSD.
During the stabilization period, the therapist will work with clients to help them shift out of acrisis.
This process often includes extensive support for developingemotional regulation skills.
EMDR, an abbreviation for eye movement desensitization reprocessing, is a form of somatic therapy.
Techniques like belly breathing, grounding, acupuncture, trauma-informed messages, trauma-informed yoga, and physical exercise.
One of the most painful aspects of C-PTSD from narcissistic abuse is howemotional abusecan create an impossible sense ofloneliness.
Part of the healing is understanding you arent alone.
Consider seeking a support group for survivors of narcissistic abuse.
Pain is present, but healing is always possible.
If youre experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact theSuicide Hotlineat988.
Reach out to theDomestic Violence Hotlineif you need support in an abusive relationship at1-800-799-SAFE.
If youre in danger, call911or head to the nearest emergency room immediately.
2018;9(1):1419749.
2017;11(2):84-95. doi: 10.1891/1933-3196.11.2.84
