Untreated PTSD can cause permanent damage to the brain due to the person living in a hyper-aroused state. Patients with PTSD may have a co-occurring mental health issue such as one of the following: Depression. Anxiety disorder.
If left untreated, complex PTSD can become life-threatening. It raises the risk of developing anxiety, depression, addictive behavior, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Chronic pain, fatigue, and changes in eating and sleeping patterns are all possible physical health problems.
According to recent studies, Emotional Trauma and PTSD do cause both brain and physical damage. Neuropathologists have seen overlapping effects of physical and emotional trauma upon the brain.
' In some cases, C-PTSD symptoms can have a cumulative effect and can get worse rather than better over time, which is why some C-PTSD sufferers 'manage' for such a long time without help, but they then worsen over time and eventually the symptoms become unmanageable.
Symptoms may worsen
As people age, their PTSD symptoms may suddenly appear or become worse, causing them to act differently. It may be unsettling to see these changes in a loved one, but it's nothing to fear. Changes are common and treatment can help.
If you have complex PTSD you may be particularly likely to experience what some people call an 'emotional flashback', in which you have intense feelings that you originally felt during the trauma, such as fear, shame, sadness or despair.
Yes, PTSD may be considered a permanent impairment as far as eligibility for compensation is concerned.
Symptoms of complex PTSD
feelings of worthlessness, shame and guilt. problems controlling your emotions. finding it hard to feel connected with other people. relationship problems, like having trouble keeping friends and partners.
CPTSD is so deeply ingrained in the nervous system and self-view, it's hard to see. It's hard to isolate what's caused by CPTSD and what's not because it impacts just about every part of emotional and personal development!
Living with PTSD brings intense emotional pain. Complex PTSD comes from many incidences of interpersonal trauma. This results in often unbearable hurt as you consider all of the people in your life who have let you down or abused you. Sometimes, it can feel as if it's a gaping wound in your soul that will never heal.
People with C-PTSD struggle to control their emotions, which are often volatile, fear- or anger-based, and often overwhelming and powerful. This can negatively affect their behavior, creating embarrassing situations or causing conflicts in relationships. Extreme isolation and withdrawal.
Living with Complex PTSD can create intense emotional flashbacks that provide challenges in controlling emotions that may provoke severe depression, suicidal thoughts, or difficulty in managing anger. C-PTSD can also create dissociations, which can be a way the mind copes with intense trauma.
There are four medications currently recommended as first-choice options to treat PTSD. Zoloft (sertraline) and Paxil (paroxetine) are FDA approved to treat PTSD. But Prozac (fluoxetine) and Effexor XR (venlafaxine) are also good first-choice options, even though they're not officially approved for PTSD.
Complex PTSD and Lack of Trust
By definition, people with C-PTSD do not find it easy to trust other people. After all, they were victimized by a betrayal — perhaps by someone very close to them. While this sign is not about you personally it can be difficult to not take it personally.
Chronic feelings of guilt, shame and self-blame. Feelings of emptiness. Difficulty forming and maintaining close relationships. Feeling as through no one understands you or what you've been through.
NDIS covers PTSD when it is classified as a psychosocial disability. Those with a significant disability that is likely to be permanent, may qualify for NDIS support.
What disability benefits can I get for PTSD? If you qualify under the conditions of Services Australia, you could receive a disability support pension for your trauma-related psychological illness. Alternatively, Centrelink may pay income benefits if you fail to meet their requirements.
For too many people living with PTSD, it is not possible to work while struggling with its symptoms and complications. Some people do continue to work and are able to function for a period of time. They may have milder symptoms or be more able to hide their negative emotions and thoughts from others.
People with PTSD have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and they may feel detached or estranged from other people.
An individual's PTSD might include symptoms such as feelings of shame, or less commonly, compulsive or aggressive behaviors, or self-destructive behavior. These cases often interfere with an individual's personal life and thus, they are also associated with certain social patterns.
CPTSD and ASD are different conditions, although certain aspects of the symptoms can overlap. Talk to a doctor if you are concerned that you or someone you know may have one of these conditions. There are many options for managing the symptoms, which allow for a fulfilling and happy life.