Wednesday 15/05/2024
PHOTO: Harris Vo
Text: Lucía Zapata y Lina Camacho
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a debilitating condition that can arise from prolonged and repeated traumatic experiences, such as abandonment, prolonged psychological/physical abuse, or childhood sexual abuse. Trauma affects victims in complex and multifaceted ways, impacting beyond physical harm and demanding continuous and specialized psychological support.
Now, amidst the painful aftermath, some people experience a surprising phenomenon known as Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG). Various studies have observed that in some cases, traumatic crises can also lead to positive outcomes, such as strengthening connections with family and friends, shifting life priorities, choosing a new vocational path, or fostering spiritual growth. Research shows that PTG can occur in relation to a wide range of psychiatric disorders and is usually the product of a process of acceptance and recognition of the trauma and its consequences; including the painful feelings of sadness, loss, anger, guilt, and shame that may follow, along with a re-signification of what happened that allows the person to regain their confidence in the world as a safe place.
What is C-PTSD and what is post-traumatic growth? We help you understand it
C-PTSD not only includes typical PTSD symptoms such as re-experiencing trauma and hypervigilance, but also involves complex issues in emotional regulation and an extremely negative self-image. On the other hand, Post-Traumatic Growth describes positive psychological changes that result from facing these adversities. It has been observed that, despite extensive traumas, patients are capable of achieving significant personal growth. Although it may seem paradoxical, PTG offers a person the opportunity to grow with greater inner strength.
Several factors contribute to the emergence of post-traumatic growth in individuals with C-PTSD:
- Temperamental Resilience: Some individuals have an innate ability to recover from trauma.
- Safe Therapeutic Relationships: The continuous and reliable support of therapists and others in the individual’s support network helps repair insecure attachments formed as a result of trauma.
The current situation of people with complex post-traumatic stress disorder
Therapists play a crucial role in this process by providing a safe and supportive environment, fundamental to fostering PTG. It is necessary to be able to offer this care to those who need it since it should be noted that sometimes, as in emergencies, incidents or assaults, the care provided to victims is not sufficient nor the most informed about trauma. While some find the necessary support, others struggle to access crucial mental health services for their recovery. This disparity in care can leave many victims feeling abandoned or misunderstood by the system that is designed to protect and support them. The urgency of more robust policies and a support system that not only activates immediately after an attack, a crisis, or a complaint, but also remains accessible to victims after they have reported traumatic events and is effective over time in treating the psychological scars that events like these leave behind should be emphasized.
Treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: Therapeutic Strategies to promote post-traumatic growth (PTG)
To foster PTG, therapists must focus on establishing and maintaining a strong and secure therapeutic relationship. Introducing and exploring the concept of PTG within therapy can be transformative. In therapy it is vital to help patients process and re-signify their traumatic experiences. Providing emotional regulation strategies while also accompanying the person in the integration and acceptance of past experiences.
The study by Dagan and Yager (2019) provides a valuable perspective on how people can develop new strengths and find meaning after traumatic experiences. Post-traumatic growth goes beyond surviving trauma; it is about coming to life again with a revitalized sense of passion for life, reclaiming the right to a future that trauma should not steal away from the person.
If you or someone close is facing difficulties after a traumatic event or lives in a context of prolonged trauma, it might be useful to explore the concept of PTG. It’s important to consider the help of mental health professionals, as they offer the tools and support necessary to facilitate this growth process. Remember that from the most challenging circumstances, it is possible to cultivate renewed resilience and a renewed sense of purpose.
- Article: Dagan, Y., & Yager, J. (2019). Posttraumatic growth in complex PTSD. Psychiatry, 82(4), 329-344.
- Netflix. (2022). 800 metros [Documental]. https://www.netflix.com