Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often associated with a single traumatic event, such as being involved in a car crash, surviving a violent crime, or witnessing a battlefield atrocity. These events can lead to lasting psychological damage, creating mental health challenges that persist long after the danger has passed. However, trauma can also occur over time, especially in the context of long-term narcissistic abuse, leading to what is known as Complex PTSD (c-PTSD).
What is Complex PTSD?
Unlike PTSD, which is usually linked to a single traumatic incident, Complex PTSD develops after years of sustained emotional or psychological abuse. Commonly seen in children who endure ongoing abuse from narcissistic parents, it can also manifest in adults who experience prolonged periods of manipulation, control, and emotional exploitation in relationships. Narcissistic abuse involves emotional manipulation, devaluation, and the erosion of self-esteem, leaving victims feeling powerless and emotionally drained.
Recovering from Complex PTSD is a slow and difficult process, often requiring professional therapy, but the journey begins with the recognition that these symptoms are real and can be treated.
Can You Get PTSD from a Narcissistic Relationship?
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