Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of overwhelming emotions, struggling with self-doubt, or haunted by painful memories that seem impossible to escape? You’re not alone. Complex PTSD (CPTSD) often develops in response to prolonged, repeated trauma – such as childhood abuse, emotional neglect, or ongoing exposure to abusive situations – and can leave a lasting impact on your mental and emotional well-being. Studies suggest that 3-15% of individuals may experience complex trauma in their lifetime. For many, this leads to symptoms that feel isolating and difficult to understand. Recognizing these signs is a crucial step toward healing. This article will help you explore what Complex PTSD is, how it differs from regular PTSD, and how a free online CPTSD test can help you reflect on your symptoms. Whether searching for answers or looking for a first step toward recovery, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in. What is Complex PTSD? Complex PTSD is a type ...
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 ...