PTSD vs CPTSD

I have CPTSD. SO, Let's talk about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and what the difference is. 

As the name implies, PTSD and CPTSD, are mental illnesses that develop due to traumatic experiences. While they share some features, one of the main differences between PTSD and CPTSD is the trauma that causes the disorder. PTSD develops as a result of one to a few traumatic experiences. For example, a car accident or an assult. CPTSD develops after chronic, repeated traumatic experiences, like repeated child abuse/sexual abuse, or repeated relationship violance/rape. 

Types of flashbacks 

Visual flashbacks are what most people think of when we're talking about flashbacks. But the other types of flashbacks can be a bit more difficult to understand unless you've experienced them. During Somatic flashbacks a person will relive the trauma via  physical sensations, such as pain, that might have experienced during the traumatic experience(s). Emotional flashbacks are probably what I deal and struggle with the most. They are also the hardest to explain to another person. Emotional flashbacks are sudden, intense emotions that are triggered by something that reminds you of the trauma and  may make you feel the emotions that you felt during the traumatic events, such as fear, or helplessness. 

How to tell if someone is having a flashback:

1. Suddenly difficulty with communication 

2. Disorientation 

3. Frozen and/ir staring blankly 

4. Difficulty making it holding eye contact 

5. Unstable, or extreme emotions (e.g., screaming, crying, etc.).

6. Calling for help, saying "no" or "stop" or trying to run away

7. Lying in the fetal position 

8. Unaware or disconnected from present 

9. Making movements or comments as if they're responding to someone or something not there. 

How to help someone having a flashback: 

1. Do not touch them, even if they are someone you are close with. This can be triggering to the individual. Whenever they are coming out of the flashback and are more aware, it is okay to ask the individual if it is okay to touch them. 

2. Do not ask them about the flashback. Again this can be triggering to them, and it may not be safe for them to talk about it. 

3. Orient them to time, place, and surroundings- use a warm but firm voice and utilize grounding techniques. There are tons of ways to ground, my favorite is the 5 senses. But different techniques work for different people.