Invisible Illness

Medium’s biggest mental health publication

Member-only story

The Reasons People With Complex PTSD Self-Isolate

Learning compassion for those suffering from complex trauma

Annie Tanasugarn, PhD
Invisible Illness
Published in
8 min readSep 24, 2021

--

overearth/shutterstock

“Traumatized people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies: The past is alive in the form of gnawing interior discomfort.” Bessel van der Kolk

Trigger Warning: The following content includes personal experiences and discussions around difficult topics such as trauma, emotional challenges, childhood maltreatment, or abusive relationships. While my intent is to educate and share personal insights, some readers may find certain content emotionally distressing. This article is for informational purposes only.

Let me start by saying that this may be a trigger warning for some, and I apologize to anyone who may find this emotionally disturbing, but I feel this needs to be said, so it can be better understood.

To say…”the past is alive in the form of gnawing interior discomfort” is an understatement. Yes, it’s alive. It can’t be shut off or escaped. It wakes us up with nightmares. It screws with our appetite and our weight plummets. It causes headaches, nervous conditions, hives, anger, depression, and anxiety. These are on a good day.

--

--

Invisible Illness
Invisible Illness

Published in Invisible Illness

Medium’s biggest mental health publication

Annie Tanasugarn, PhD
Annie Tanasugarn, PhD

Written by Annie Tanasugarn, PhD

Relationship Specialist & Coach. This is my only account. Sign up for my newsletter & get expert tools & inspiration to break free from toxic relationships.