Complex PTSD and Relationships Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) often feels like an invisible burden that weighs heavily on the shoulders of those who carry it. Imagine Emily, a loving partner and devoted mother, who constantly battles intense, unpredictable emotions triggered by her traumatic past. Despite her best efforts, she finds herself snapping at her husband over minor issues and feeling disconnected from her children. Trusting others feels like walking on a tightrope, and the fear of vulnerability creates barriers in her relationships. Emily’s story is not unique. CPTSD, a severe psychological condition resulting from prolonged exposure to trauma, deeply affects an individual's emotional and psychological development, leading to a range of symptoms that can significantly impact their relationships. Unlike PTSD, which can result from a single traumatic event, CPTSD develops due to sustained, repeated trauma, such as chronic abuse, neglect, or exposure to domes...
An intrusive thought is an unwelcome, involuntary thought, image, or unpleasant idea that may become an obsession, is upsetting or distressing, and can feel difficult to manage or eliminate. (source: Wikipedia ) Common examples of intrusive thoughts include unwanted, intrusive thoughts about the safety of oneself or others, causing distress, and thoughts of performing dangerous actions. These thoughts may lead to negative behaviors, which may increase vulnerability to future experiences of trauma. Intrusive thoughts have been linked to recent life stress, sleep deprivation, prior anxiety, and childhood abuse. The state of depression , suicidal ideation, or anxiety may also be caused by the release of stress hormones. Analysis of studies in subjects who had experienced prolonged periods of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) found that intrusive thoughts and flashbacks are associated with greater than 50% of symptoms, especially memory fragmentation. Intrusive thoughts often occur ...