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The Mental Break Down: More Than Just Trauma: Understanding C-PTSD
11 Plays12 days ago
Welcome to the premiere episode of The Mental Break Down, a 5 minute weekly mental health mini-series by Sol Well, designed to raise awareness, spark reflection, and offer practical support—one topic at a time.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, this week we’re diving into Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) — a lesser-known but deeply impactful diagnosis that can shape how we feel about ourselves, relate to others, and navigate the world.
💬 We unpack:
- What C-PTSD is and how it differs from PTSD
- Signs and symptoms like emotional flashbacks and relationship struggles
- How trauma-informed care and proper diagnosis make a difference
- A grounding tool to support emotional regulation: The Safe Place Visualization
Whether you’re navigating trauma or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a gentle but informative breakdown to deepen your understanding.
Mentioned Resources & Citations
- VA National Center for PTSD: ptsd.va.gov
- NYU Scholars on C-PTSD: nyuscholars.nyu.edu
Disclaimer
This episode is for educational purposes only. For diagnosis, treatment, or mental health support, please consult a licensed mental health or primary care provider.
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Transcript
00:00:00
Speaker
Welcome to The Mental Breakdown, a short and intentional space where we unpack and dig deep and explore one mental health topic a week that impacts our community. I'm Autumn Colon, founder of SoWell, counselor training and maternal mental health advocate.
00:00:16
Speaker
I'm so excited for this series and segment that we are using to help you understand a little bit more mental health disorders and challenges that impact our community with compassion and not shame.
00:00:28
Speaker
Today we're going to be talking about one that is often misunderstood and not even talk about. CPTSD or Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
00:00:39
Speaker
So let's break it down. What is CPTSD? CPTSD develops after prolonged, repeated trauma, often in childhood, abusive relationships, or situations where people may feel trapped without a sense of safety or an escape.
00:00:57
Speaker
It's more than just reliving trauma. It changes how you feel about yourself, relate to others, and how you navigate the world. Unlike PTSD, which can stem from a single traumatic event like a car accident or assault, CPTSD is ongoing. It's in the name. It's chronic. It's consistent.
00:01:18
Speaker
Think emotional neglect. childhood abuse, domestic violence, or systematic oppression. According to the National Center for PTSD, CPTSD involves emotional dysregulation, chronic shame or guilt, and difficulties in relationships.
00:01:35
Speaker
So how does it show up? Some common symptoms include emotional flashbacks where your body reacts with fear or shame, even if you don't remember the trauma itself. low self-worth, hypervigilance or emotional numbness, difficulty constant difficulty to keep difficulty connecting with others, disassociations or feelings of detachment from yourself or your surroundings.
00:01:58
Speaker
These aren't moves these are mood swings. These are survival responses. It is your body signaling to you that there is something going on.
00:02:12
Speaker
The inner narrative living with CPTSD You may catch yourself thinking something's wrong with me. I'm unlovable. This is all my fault. But those thoughts, they're not facts.
00:02:25
Speaker
It's your trauma talking. And it's important to interrupt the narrative with truth, care, and support. Your healing requires safety. And that is why SoWell, we believe that trauma-informed care is what matters.
00:02:45
Speaker
It centers your safety choice and your voice in your healing process. So in searching for providers, look for those who understand trauma and not just the symptoms. You want care that centers your story, not just your symptoms.
00:02:59
Speaker
You want care that is informed, that is culturally responsive and focuses on collaboration, not control. Treatment for this disorder isn't a one size fits all type of an option.
00:03:12
Speaker
trauma focused therapy like CBT. You can get support for your emotional regulation. um You should also speak to your providers about any co-occurring conditions like depression or disassociation.
00:03:26
Speaker
Sometimes medication or holistic support like movement, nutrition, or body-based therapies work really well. And for children, trauma informed CBT is shown to be especially helpful.
00:03:37
Speaker
And lastly, in order to get treatment or to be assessed for this diagnosis, you want to visit your health care provider to get a diagnosis, to speak to a therapist or a counselor or clinician about your symptoms.
00:03:49
Speaker
This is not something that can be diagnosed on its own. And so it is always our recommendation to speak with your providers. Also, to just wrap up, we're going to give you a tool that you can use when you're feeling overwhelmed.
00:04:01
Speaker
The one that I'm going to walk you through today is called the Safe Place Visualization. So I want you to close your eyes.
00:04:09
Speaker
Picture a place where you feel completely safe. Focus on every detail. What it looks like, smells like, sounds like.
00:04:20
Speaker
Let your body remember that sense of calm. This safe space visualization, it isn't a fix. It's a practice. A gentle way to tell your nervous system, you are safe now.
00:04:37
Speaker
That's all for this week. on the mental breakdown. If this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it, save it for later, and come back next come back next week when we unpack bipolar disorder.
00:04:48
Speaker
Until then, breathe, reflect, and remind yourself you are not alone in your trauma. You are worthy of care. I hope you heal well, and I'll see you next time on the Soulwell Podcast.
00:05:02
Speaker
The Solwell Podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes open, and the content shared here is based on personal experiences and research, and it should not be taken as medical or therapeutic advice.
00:05:15
Speaker
Please consult a qualified professional for any mental health or medical concerns.