Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Self-Harm

Overcoming self-harming behaviors

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

• **Trigger Warning***

This article includes an honest discussion about self-harming behavior. No triggering information is shared, but it is a highly triggering topic to some. Caution is advised.

We have published many articles on complex post-traumatic stress disorder and how it changes lives. However, this article is different in that we are going to discuss CPTSD and its role in self-harming behaviors.

A Review: What is Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) is a chronic condition where that affects survivors of multiple traumatic events, usually in childhood. It I caused by repeated and severe abuse of any type, including, sexual, verbal, physical, and narcissistic maltreatment.

Some of the symptoms of CPTSD are as follows:

· Alienation from others

· Amnesia

· Chronic mistrust of others or self

· Flashbacks

· Dissociation

· Shame

· Body memories

· Re-victimization