PTSD/Complex PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a result of an individual experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. As a result, symptoms of flashbacks, anxiety, hypervigilance, nightmares and unwanted intrusive memories and/or unwanted thoughts of the traumatic event will occur. It is common to have feelings of shame, guilt, fear, anger and depressed mood. Sometimes symptoms can be extremely intense, in which the individual has suicidal ideation and/or engages in self-harm or suicidal behaviors. Symptoms of PTSD vary from individual to individual. At Irimiya Trauma Therapy, Inc. many adult survivors of sexual traumas have symptoms of PTSD.

Complex PTSD:

Do you ever feel that you really did not experience a specific traumatic event or maybe you experienced many traumatic events? Have you noticed that you are easily startled, have high anxiety, occasional or consistent nightmares, difficulty sleeping, consistent negative thoughts, self-shaming, feeling angry, irritable, continuous guilt and very often feeling threatened by comments from others or by their behaviors? You could be experiencing what is called Complex PTSD. This occurs when someone has experienced multiple traumas or is continuing to experience multiple traumas. Some examples you may have experience as a child are:

-Continuous arguing/hitting/yelling in the home between your parents or at you, when you were a child.

-Repeated inappropriate sexual touching by siblings, family members, strangers, or trusted adults.

-Consistent negative comments by your parent/s about your worth, looks, intelligence, behaviors.

In general, if you have been exposed to multiple traumas as a child and/or you continue to be experiencing current traumatic events, it is likely you may be experiencing Complex PTSD. Know that you are not alone. I am here, ready and would be honored to take you gradually through this scary yet rewarding journey.