Somatic sequelae and cPTSD.

In this article I would like to describe the effects of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on a person’s physical condition. How cPTSD affects physical illness, physical development, and chronic illness.

Complex PTSD is a set of symptoms that result from pain and fear that often begins at a very early age and can fill a person’s entire world. These early experiences shape our understanding of ourselves and the world. Growing up with fear has consequences for all aspects of development — ­cognitive, emotional, and physical.

Unresolved childhood trauma can have a serious impact on physical health, and its effects can be very long-lasting and have a cumulative effect. When we are faced with a stressful situation, our nervous system tries to engage the fight or flight response in an attempt to regain safety and respond to the stressful situation. I suggest looking at the Positive Stress Response and the Toxic Stress Response.

Positive stress response or Healthy stress response: These are reactions that occur in a supportive environment with a loving adult in which the child faces the stress of tolerating separation from a parent. Healthy stress helps our nervous system adapt and cope with stressful situations in the future.

Toxic stress response : ­Ongoing or profoundly traumatic events occur without the support of a loving adult or are caused by an adult. These events are associated with negative consequences for emotional and physical health.