Living with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) presents unique challenges, but it is possible to cultivate a better life by prioritizing self-care and fostering resilience.
Here are some key strategies to consider:
- Seek professional support: Engage with a mental health professional experienced in trauma therapy. Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness-based approaches can help process traumatic experiences and develop coping mechanisms.
- Practice self-compassion: Cultivate self-compassion by acknowledging that your experiences were not your fault and that you deserve care and understanding. Treat yourself with kindness and patience during difficult moments.
- Establish healthy boundaries: Set clear boundaries in relationships to protect your well-being. Learn to say “no” when necessary, and surround yourself with supportive and understanding individuals who respect your boundaries.
- Prioritize self-care: Regularly engage in activities that promote relaxation and self-nurturing. This might include practicing mindfulness, engaging in physical exercise, pursuing hobbies, and maintaining a balanced diet.
- Build a support network: Connect with others who have experienced trauma, joining support groups or online communities. Sharing experiences and finding validation can foster a sense of belonging and provide valuable support.
- Embrace grounding techniques: Explore grounding exercises, such as deep breathing, meditation, or using sensory stimuli like scents or textures. These practices can help anchor you in the present moment during times of distress.
- Cultivate resilience: Focus on building resilience by acknowledging your strengths and practicing positive affirmations. Seek opportunities for personal growth, such as learning new skills or engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
Living a better life with CPTSD requires dedication, self-compassion, and ongoing support. Remember that healing is a journey, and progress may be gradual. By implementing these strategies and seeking professional guidance, you can empower yourself to overcome the challenges of CPTSD and embrace a more fulfilling and resilient life.
Easier said than done
Building a support network, was one of the hardest things for me. It’s still not perfect or how I imagined it, but it’s good enough for now.
I also find it difficult practicing self-compassion, especially during PMS, when my inner critic becomes much louder. Other days we live slightly better than we did a few years ago, and that is some relief.
What do you find the most difficult from this list? What did you become better at?
Self-compassion has always been hard but I am better now than I used to be. I always thought I was a terrible person and hated myself but many years of talk therapy and reading a lot of other people’s experiences made me realise I was not to blame for the things that happened. I had trouble with therapy for a long time too because I could not bring myself to talk about many things and when the therapist suggested trying EMDR etc I didn’t want to disappoint the therapist by saying it didn’t help. I felt bad about laying all my problems on my therapist because I was concerned about her. I thought I was boring her. This is not the way it’s supposed to work! But I finally made a break through. It is hard work!
It’s hard work, indeed. I’m glad that you’re getting better.
I find EMDr to be so helpful for processing trauma! I am lucky, I have a therapist who is trained in trauma therapy. Xx
We all usually want a cure and get disappointed that we need to do hard inner work, and we need to learn to use tools to help ourselves through our triggers. It’s difficult to realize these things, but so worthwhile!
All are great ideas! Professional support is very important. 👍
Establishing healthy boundaries! I find it hard to say “no” it’s definitely going to take a while to get over my people pleasing tendencies but I am patient, I know the healing journey is slow. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you too, Shadia.