One of the toughest things in my life has been exploring and understanding my complex PTSD. Over the last few years, I’ve noticed a pattern of certain signs that signal how complex PTSD is present in my life. I want to recognize these signs for what they are and take steps towards feeling better.
One sign that allows me to recognize complex PTSD is difficulty concentrating on tasks or hobbies that I love. This can make it challenging to get projects done or just enjoy simple pleasures. Another sign is the tendency of easily losing my temper with others without any control. It shows up as an emotional outpour, even if there isn’t a sufficiently strong cause for it.
Another complex PTSD symptom is alternatively engaging in risky behaviors and then having nights where I feel down or stuck in negative thoughts that won’t subside no matter how much I try to redirect myself out of them. Hypervigilance can also be an issue, making me scared on a daily basis about situations that might not always merit anxiety or worry.
The fight-or-flight response also getting triggered frequently by every day events which creates an overwhelming amount of exhaustion at times. Other signs include unexplained headaches, dizziness, and abnormally tired muscles after very little physical activity due to tense muscles manifesting from feeling chronically stressed and overwhelmed by ordinary tasks like laundry or grocery shopping. The sensation of grief resurfacing from nowhere at random moments throughout the day has been another clear indication as well.
It’s important for me to identify these signs so that I can do something about them - learning tools and strategies to cope with them when they arise, instead of suppressing them or running away from them altogether – takes courage but is necessary for healing this condition over time.