Lifetime of Complex PTSD, practices, therapeutic, advice, coping, ect.

@sarah852 What you've described sounds like you are truly suffering. Before others might suggest help for you can you tell us what you've already tried? What kind of therapy? B

Here is a website from the VA that I often refer to that describes the evidenced-based approaches to PTSD (meaning there is published research on these approaches). The VA does not make a distinction between PTSD vs. C-PTSD as the treatments are the same. While it would appear that these approaches refer only to military veterans in fact these are the same approaches used for people with PTSD who are not veterans. Have you participated in any of these?

PTSD Treatment Basics

- https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/tx_basics.asp

Are you taking any medications?

I have not. Just the typical DHS / community mental health or typical therapy (how does that make you feel) nothing specific...

Please consider seeking a therapist who is certified in EMDR for PTSD. This is a well researched and very effective tool. Be well and thrive.

I have also been diagnosed as having complex PTSD due to an abusive childhood (specifically horrible mother). I was able to get away from her in my mid 20's. The scars remain even through old age. I am now 89 years old and still have trouble just going out for a walk by myself. After my husband of 59 years died, I sought help through therapy. I found a wonderful therapist and she was the one who diagnosed me. I am going to start reading The Narrative Therapy Workbook. You deconstruct your story, challenge unhealthy beliefs and reclaim your life. The second half of the book has exercises and my therapist will help me. Right now I am in relatively good health, am able to drive and live independently. How long I will be able to maintain is anyone's guess. But this I do know - I do not feel my age.

@sarah852 If your experiences were anything but "typical", and who is to say the definition of that! then you might need help more geared towards your particular issues. It can really take a lot of time and effort to address deep-seated things, and return to emotional/mental well-being. And first we need to understand how it might be affecting our daily life, and have that desire to make a true and long-lasting change. It can take a lot of soul-searching, a lot of effort, many tears, some "what did I get myself into here!?" moments. But in the end, after so much work is done, you'll reclaim who you are. Trust me, so many of us have been-there-done-that. What works for one may not work for the next person. Keep plugging away to find the best route for you to take. I'm glad you came here to post this question, and hope reading what others have to say will help you decide to try some different methods to address your issues as you have them.
Ginger

Hello,

I have a childhood of traumatic abuse by several generations of my “family”. I started therapy 40 years ago. I had years and years of therapy. I am not in therapy now.

I have listed all the techniques that have been helpful to me in the SmartPatients.com conversation, Resources for Anxiety. Here is a link to all those resources:
https://www.smartpatients.com/conversations/resources-for-anxiety#post-1383416
Currently Breath Work, binaural listening, wall sitting, planks, and mindfulness are very helpful.

Claire

I found the calendar reminders from ActionforHappiness.com most helpful for moving on.

Here is a good one:
Be a realistic optimist. See life for what it is but look for the good.
https://actionforhappiness.org/all-calendars

very very sorry about the difficulties.

I have PTSD. Former violent crime victim. Kidnapped and held for a time.
As if that weren't enough, was profoundly abused by narcissistic, lunatic mother.

So, I wouldn't doubt you are going through a huge nightmare. The good news is that you are not alone. That many of us out here have suffered the extremes of abuse.

And, many of us have slowly walked out of the abuse and into a fulfilling life.

But, unfortunately, especially with a history of serious abuse...it can take time. Lots of time.

But that is also good news. You don't have to solve difficult and complex problems overnight.

And, progress can not only come slowly, but in ways you don't fully see.

So, if you engage with the standard ways to deal with your circumstances....progress is extremely likely to occur.

So, yes, therapy may be annoying and boring. But if you get a decent therapist, over time, it will probably help you come to progress.

For me, many things helped. Hatha Yoga relaxation exercises, breathing exercises, meditation. And none of that is some kind of quick and easy fix. Once and awhile, it absolutely is. Once and awhile, highly stressed, I have sat I meditation and in even 5 minutes, everything calms down.

So, you know, even if it doesn't seem like it is working, I would, you know, try some standard techniques and advice.

My wife's cousin actually runs a non-profit for victims of childhood sexual abuse. She is approaching 70 now. I am not sure how active the group is anymore. The group is called "Stop the Silence." I think she has written a book or more on the subject. Whether you go to her books, or the books of another expert...all that work should help.

My crazy mother really did a huge number on my head. It is very hard to get that out of their. I am 63 and still have a horrible self-image. But, you know, I am doing better than I was at 21, when she nearly took my life..

take care...

I had an abusive child as well, physical and emotional. In my sixties, I witnessed a murder and the police connected me with a trauma therapist who specializes in EMDR. She not only helped me through the PTSD from seeing the murder, but she also has worked with me on my childhood PTSD, and that has made a world of difference.