Chapter 1: The Connection Between cPTSD and Physical Health

In this discussion, we will explore how Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (cPTSD) affects an individual’s physical health. This condition can deeply impact physical illnesses, growth, and chronic health issues.

cPTSD arises from profound pain and fear, often beginning in childhood and permeating every aspect of a person’s life. Early traumatic experiences shape our self-perception and worldview, leading to significant consequences for cognitive, emotional, and physical development. The long-term effects of unresolved childhood trauma can severely impair physical health, accumulating over time.

When confronted with stressful circumstances, our nervous system activates the fight-or-flight response as a means to restore a sense of safety. It’s important to differentiate between the Positive Stress Response and the Toxic Stress Response.

Positive Stress Response: This occurs in a nurturing environment where a caring adult supports a child through stress, such as separation. This healthy form of stress equips the nervous system to better handle future challenges.

Toxic Stress Response: In contrast, this arises from ongoing traumatic experiences without the support of a loving figure, often leading to detrimental effects on both emotional and physical health.

Ideally, stress should be transient; however, when it becomes chronic, the body remains in a constant state of heightened alertness, unable to recuperate.

During stressful incidents, cortisol—a hormone produced in the adrenal cortex—floods the body. While cortisol protects against stress and regulates critical bodily functions, an excessive and prolonged release can disrupt circadian rhythms and impair the cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic systems due to the strain on these organs.

The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

The autonomic nervous system plays a crucial role in mediating our reactions to stress and trauma. It comprises two main branches: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic system drives the fight-or-flight response, leading to cortisol release.

Conversely, the parasympathetic system acts to inhibit the sympathetic response, allowing the body to relax, digest, and recover. Ideally, these systems should alternate rhythmically to promote healthy bodily functions, including digestion and immune response.

This brings us to a paradox: individuals with cPTSD often experience persistently low cortisol levels. This doesn't imply that cortisol production has decreased; rather, the body's processing of this hormone has been altered. The parasympathetic system continuously attempts to suppress the sympathetic system, creating a scenario akin to driving a car with the handbrake engaged—simultaneously pressing both the accelerator and brake. This results in a complex emotional state where one can feel both excitement and depression concurrently.

In this brief overview, we've introduced the foundational concepts linking cPTSD and physical health. Future discussions will delve into chronic stress, apathy, and depression from a physiological perspective, exploring why individuals who have endured ongoing trauma sometimes struggle with physical activity and fatigue.

The first video features Elizabeth Ferreira discussing recovery from complex PTSD. It sheds light on personal experiences and strategies for healing, offering valuable insights for those affected by this condition.

The second video addresses somatic psychology's role in treating complex PTSD. It explores therapeutic approaches and the importance of body awareness in recovery.