A harrowing experience can leave a lasting mark on a person’s psyche. This psychological scar is known as post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. PTSD can severely impact a person’s mental well-being, which is why it is essential for individuals struggling with it to seek help promptly.
In this article, we will take a deeper look at what PTSD is and explore ways to manage it, without turning to illicit substances. However, first, let us take a moment to understand the condition and how those affected can be supported.
Here we go!
Understanding Complex PTSD (CPTSD)
Although we began by discussing PTSD, our primary focus in this article is complex PTSD (CPTSD). CPTSD is a more severe and long-lasting form of PTSD that often results from sustained or repeated exposure to traumatic experiences.
For instance, growing up in a dysfunctional or abusive household can significantly increase the risk of developing CPTSD. This condition can be chronic and deeply disruptive, significantly impacting emotional stability, behavior, and day-to-day life.
Common symptoms of CPTSD include:
• A persistently negative self-image
• Difficulty regulating emotions
• Trouble forming or maintaining relationships
In more serious cases, CPTSD can lead to substance use disorders, as individuals attempt to self-medicate to numb emotional pain. According to Ascendant, a leading NYC drug rehab center, many clients entering addiction treatment are also dealing with undiagnosed or unresolved trauma. Their clinical team has observed that substance abuse often stems from underlying mental health conditions such as PTSD and CPTSD.Recognizing and addressing the trauma-addiction connection is vital for sustainable recovery and long-term emotional healing.
Some Common Causes Of CPTSD
Complex PTSD (CPTSD) can manifest in many different ways. However, experts working closely with individuals who suffer from CPTSD have identified several common causes that frequently contribute to its development.
While these are not the only factors that can lead to CPTSD, they are among the most prevalent and important to understand:
Military Postings
This phenomenon was first widely recognized following World War I. Many soldiers returning from active duty displayed symptoms now associated with CPTSD. Just imagine spending years in the trenches, taking lives, and witnessing the darkest aspects of humanity. Can such experiences be left behind easily? Exposure to such extreme conditions can rewire the brain, making hypervigilance and hostility feel like a permanent state of mind.
Psychological Trauma
Psychological trauma, particularly when inflicted during childhood, is another significant contributor to CPTSD. Growing up in an abusive household—whether emotionally, physically, or sexually—can cause deep psychological wounds. These unresolved traumas often leave lasting scars on an individual’s sense of safety and self-worth. Systemic or prolonged abuse, including sexual trauma, is one of the most common underlying causes of complex PTSD.
Racial Violence
Racial violence is another powerful and often overlooked cause of CPTSD. Individuals who have experienced severe racial discrimination or violence may relive those traumatic events repeatedly, becoming trapped in a cycle of fear and psychological distress. This chronic exposure can result in complex trauma that deeply affects mental health and emotional stability over time.
Steps To Handle CPTSD
Managing Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is not easy. It requires a thoughtful and structured approach to healing. This section will outline several key steps to help you recover. Let us get started.
Step #1: Acknowledge the Problem
The first step toward healing is recognizing that there is a problem. You cannot move forward if you do not acknowledge what you are dealing with. Take time alone or with someone you trust to identify what you are going through. Admitting that you have CPTSD and that you need help is the first step on the path to healing.
Step #2: Seek Professional Help
Once you have accepted the problem, seeking professional guidance is crucial. CPTSD is a serious mental health condition and is not something that can be addressed through DIY methods. Avoid relying on internet advice or unverified self-help techniques. Instead, connect with qualified mental health professionals who specialize in trauma recovery.
Step #3: Build a Support System
A strong support system is vital. Without it, you are more likely to make poor decisions or feel overwhelmed and isolated. In addition to professional treatment, surround yourself with people who offer empathy, understanding, and stability. Whether it is family, close friends, or a support group, having people to lean on can make a significant difference.
Step #4: Educate Yourself About Trauma
One of the most empowering aspects of recovery is understanding the trauma itself. Educating yourself about CPTSD—its causes, symptoms, and effects—can help demystify what you are experiencing. Use trusted books, reputable online resources, or mental health professionals to deepen your knowledge. Awareness can be a powerful tool in your healing journey.
Step #5: Practice Self-Compassion
Self-loathing is a common but harmful mindset for people dealing with trauma. Healing is not possible without self-acceptance. Learn to treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend. Love yourself, forgive your past, and recognize that recovery is not a race. Celebrate your small victories—they matter more than you realize.
Step #6: Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Coping is necessary, but how you cope is just as important. Unhealthy coping mechanisms—like substance use or avoidance—may offer short-term relief but can lead to long-term damage. Instead, explore positive outlets such as exercise, art, mindfulness practices, or journaling. Choose strategies that promote growth and resilience.
Step #7: Reconnect with Your Pre-Trauma Identity
Try to remember who you were before the trauma. While this may be difficult initially, it becomes more manageable over time. Revisit the hobbies, interests, or values that once brought you joy. Rebuilding a sense of identity can help you regain control over your narrative and move forward with purpose.
Looking Back
You cannot undo the past, but you can take steps to shape your future. Healing from CPTSD is a journey that requires time, patience, and intention. These steps may not erase the pain, but they can guide you toward becoming a stronger, more self-aware, and more fulfilled version of yourself.
Embrace the pain, learn from it, and move forward—one step at a time.
MindOwl Founder – My own struggles in life have led me to this path of understanding the human condition. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy before completing a master’s degree in psychology at Regent’s University London. I then completed a postgraduate diploma in philosophical counselling before being trained in ACT (Acceptance and commitment therapy).
I’ve spent the last eight years studying the encounter of meditative practices with modern psychology.