Walker states that for people with Complex PTSD, individuals develop four “F” responses when they are triggered by emotional flashbacks: they may fight, flee, fawn (seek to please) or freeze. Triggers can be seemingly minor or overwhelmingly major, depending on the severity and longevity of the trauma endured.Ĭomplex PTSD: According to trauma therapist Pete Walker (2013), you may also suffer from emotional flashbacks where you ‘regress’ back into the emotional state of the original event and you behave maladaptively to the situation as a result. A domestic violence victim might find herself being triggered by someone raising their voice. A sexual assault survivor might hear the voice of someone who resembles her assailant and find herself reliving the terror of being violated. This can look different for every survivor. You may also encounter triggers in everyday life – whether it be something you see, smell, hear, that brings you back to the original event. PTSD: Memories, reoccurring nightmares, persistent unwanted and upsetting thoughts, physical reactivity, vivid flashbacks of the original event can all be a part of PTSD. Only a licensed mental health professional can diagnose you and provide an appropriate treatment plan. It is recommended that you seek professional support if you’re struggling with any of these symptoms, especially if your symptoms last longer than one month, cause great impairment or distress and/or disrupt your ability to function in everyday life.

Around 92% of people who meet the criteria for Complex PTSD also meet the criteria for PTSD (Roth, et. Complex PTSD, which develops due to chronic, ongoing trauma, is more likely to occur due to long-term domestic violence or childhood sexual and/or physical or emotional abuse. There are four types of symptoms that are part of PTSD and some additional symptoms for Complex PTSD as listed below. What Are The Symptoms of PTSD and Complex PTSD? According to the National Center for PTSD, about 8 million people can develop PTSD every year and women are twice as likely than men to experience these symptoms.

These individuals face combat and battle in invisible war zones that are nonetheless traumatic and potentially damaging. In fact, many survivors of childhood emotional neglect, physical or emotional abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault and rape can suffer from the symptoms of PTSD or Complex PTSD if they endured long-standing, ongoing and inescapable trauma. While it is certainly an issue for those who’ve been in real-life war zones, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD isn’t just exclusive to war veterans. Normally when we think about “PTSD,” our minds jump to those who’ve been in combat.

Pete walker trauma