7 Signs Complex Trauma Is Impairing Your Relationship

Complex trauma can have a significant impact on your relationship with your partner. It can be difficult to maintain healthy, functional relationships when we are struggling with the symptoms of CPTSD.

If you are concerned that your relationship is being impacted by your history of complex truama, it is important to seek out help.

In this blog post, I will discuss seven signs that complex trauma is impairing your relationship. I will also offer some tips for how you can begin to heal and improve your relationship.

Table of Contents

What is complex trauma?

Complex trauma is a type of trauma that occurs over a long period of time, often during childhood. It can be the result of abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences. Complex trauma can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional health.

What is CPTSD?

CPTSD stands for complex post-traumatic stress disorder. It is a type of PTSD that can occur after exposure to multiple traumatic events. CPTSD can have a significant impact on our ability to function in everyday life.

Signs and Symptoms of CPTSD

There are many signs and symptoms of CPTSD. Some of the most common include:

Difficulty regulating emotions
Intrusive thoughts or memories
Flashbacks
Avoidance of people or places that remind you of the trauma
Negative beliefs about yourself, others, or the world
Feeling disconnected from others
Difficulty trusting others
Feeling empty or numb

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek out help from a mental health professional.

The Impact of CPTSD on Adult Relationships

CPTSD can have a significant impact on our ability to maintain healthy, functional relationships. The symptoms of CPTSD can make it difficult to trust others, connect with others, and communicate effectively.

Signs that Complex Trauma and CPTSD are impacting your relationship with your partner:

You have a hard time trusting your partner.
You often feel disconnected from your partner.
You find it difficult to communicate with your partner.
You or your partner has difficulty regulating emotions.
You avoid discussing the trauma with your partner.
Your relationship feels one-sided or unequal.
You are always worried that that your partner will leave you.

The reactions and concerns about your relationship that you experience because of complex trauma and CPTSD are like a self-fulfilling prophecy, because they impact your behaviour and connection with your partner, damaging your relationship.

If, on the other hand, you are in a relationship with someone who has CPTSD, it is important to be patient and understand that they may need extra support. It is also important to seek out help from a therapist or counsellor who can assist you both in working through the challenges of CPTSD.

How Can You Heal?

If you are struggling with the symptoms of CPTSD, it is important to seek out help from a mental health professional.

Tips for Improving Your Relationships if You Have Experienced Complex Trauma:

Seek out professional help. There are many effective treatments for CPTSD, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), and medication.

Work on building trust. This may involve attending individual therapy, couples therapy, or group therapy.

Communicate openly and honestly with your partner. Discuss your needs and concerns with your partner. Be honest about what you are struggling with and ask for the support that you need.

Develop a support system. Spend time with friends and family members who make you feel safe and loved.

Take care of yourself. Make sure to schedule in time for activities that make you happy and help you relax. This might include exercise, yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.

Develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing symptoms. This might involve journaling, deep breathing exercises, or self-care practices.

Create boundaries in your relationship. It is important to set boundaries with your partner in order to protect yourself from further hurt.

The Bottom Line

Complex trauma can have a profound impact on our lives, but there is hope for healing. If you are struggling with CPTSD, seek out professional help and develop a support system. With treatment and self-care, it is possible to heal the wounds of the past and create a brighter future.