Complex PTSD from Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can inflict deep wounds and may lead to a complex form of trauma that is challenging to heal. The responses victims receive when they disclose their abuse can make a significant difference in their healing journey. Understanding how our responses can impact the development of Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is crucial for prevention and providing effective support.

In this post, we will discuss how C-PTSD stems from emotional abuse, offering insights and strategies to help individuals and responders navigate this complex issue.

Let’s get started.

The Link Between Double Abuse and Complex PTSD

First, let’s define PTSD.

PTSD can result from either an acute event or recurring trauma, often in troubled relationships, which does not get processed or resolved (G. Erwin, 2000).

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is described by Judith Herman, M.D., as an ongoing psychological stress injury resulting from repeated trauma, over which the victim has little or no control and from which there is no real or perceived hope of escape.

Unfortunately, complex PTSD is a more challenging and serious form of trauma to heal.

In our many years of working with victims, we have found that Double Abuse® often plays a role in exacerbating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder into Complex PTSD.

But why is this the case?

Let’s dig a little deeper.

Why Some Victims Recover from PTSD – and Others Don’t

Author and psychotherapist Belleruth Naparstek found in her research that individuals who successfully recovered from PTSD were those who were believed, supported, respected, and even honored for their sacrifice and experiences. This leads us to the conclusion, according to Naparstek, that victims and survivors of trauma deserve the utmost respect.

But what happens when the opposite occurs?

The cost to the victim includes added cruelty, hopelessness, and despair.

How C-PTSD Affects Victims of Emotional Abuse

Trauma sets in motion serious emotional and physiological reactions that can be debilitating. This means trauma can negatively affect a person’s physical health and psychological well-being. There is a biochemical and involuntary musculoskeletal chain of events that can result in various medical issues.

Belleruth Naparstek explains it this way:

“PTSD presents some sort of conflated disturbance in the regulation of our neurobiological [the mind], endocrinological [hormonal, developmental, sleep, mood, sexual function, growth, metabolism, and tissue function], and immunological systems” (Invisible Heroes: Survivors of Trauma and How They Heal).

We also appreciate this quote from Judith Herman’s renowned work on trauma:

“Traumatic events destroy the sustaining bonds between individuals and community. Those who have survived learn that their sense of self, of worth, of humanity, depends upon a feeling of connection to others. The solidarity of a group provides the strongest protection against terror and despair, and the strongest antidote to traumatic experience. Trauma isolates; the group recreates a sense of belonging. Trauma shames and stigmatizes; the group bears witness and affirms. Trauma degrades the victim; the group exalts her. Trauma dehumanizes the victim; the group restores her humanity” (Herman, Trauma and Recovery, p. 214).

It is this connection to others that can make all the difference for victims.

But how can you be sure that your response aids in the healing of a victim rather than exacerbating their trauma?

Read on to find out:

How to Help Prevent the Development of PTSD into C-PTSD

Recognizing the pivotal role we play in the lives of victims seeking help is crucial. We can either exacerbate their trauma or provide them with life-giving power through connection.

When supporting a victim of abuse, you may be able to prevent the damaging transition from PTSD to C-PTSD. In fact, there is a pathway where you can help shift their mindset from trauma and despair to hope and restoration.

Here’s how:

If the victim comes to you for help or support, it is important not to cast blame or responsibility on them. They have chosen to come to you for clarity and empathy. Listen to them. Set aside your own experiences, upbringing, or biases, and be present with them in their pain. Remind them that emotional, physical, or sexual abuse is not their fault.

To learn more about compassionate ways to respond to a victim of abuse, click here.

A Special Note to Faith-Based Leaders and Organizations

The MEND Project is especially dedicated to training faith-based institutions—pastors, rabbis, lay leaders, staff, and congregants—as responders to abuse and in how to engage properly with victims.

Studies show that many victims are most likely to first disclose their abuse or traumatic experiences to spiritual leaders. While we believe that most spiritual leaders have the desire and heart to help, they may not be adequately equipped to do so effectively.

When spiritual leaders do not respond correctly, they may unintentionally cause more harm to the victim, significantly exacerbating the victim’s trauma.

Accordingly, the MEND Project is intentional in its effort to train faith-based organizations about the various forms of Original Abuse, especially the hidden forms of mental abuse, such as Covert Emotional Abuse.

With the right training and tools, faith-based organizations can become safe places for victims to disclose their stories and begin the healing process.

Click here to download our PDF: "I Am A Pastor"

The MEND Project training prepares faith-based institutions to identify and respond to emotional abuse when a victim discloses their experience. During training, we also address cultural biases and the harm they can cause to victims seeking help.

MEND views its role as a partner with faith-based institutions in combatting Original Abuse and preventing Double Abuse® by ensuring their responses to individuals in their care create a path of healing for both victims and those who have caused harm.

While we focus on caring for the victim, we do not ignore the abuser, who may also be in your care. We believe individuals who have caused harm can find healing if they are willing. We can provide effective and appropriate accountability protocols for responders to use with those who desire change.

To gain the training and tools for responding appropriately to victims of abuse as well as those who have caused harm, click here.

The Crucial Role of Faith-Based Institutions in Abuse Response

Spiritual institutions often minister to more than half of our population when they are in crisis because they regularly interface with individuals who have experienced abuse.

• 85% of people polled by LifeWay in 2017 agreed that spiritual institutions should be a safe place for those enduring abuse.
• More than 42% of individuals with mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD, seek help from a member of a spiritual organization (Health Services Research, 2003).
• Only half of all Protestant Christian churches have a plan in place for how to respond if someone shares they are experiencing Domestic Violence (Lifeway, 2017).
• Over half of senior pastors polled do not have sufficient training to address cases of domestic or sexual violence.
• About 81% say they would take action to reduce domestic violence if they had more training (LifeWay, 2014).

From a survey of 1,000 pastors:

• Only 45% of Protestant pastors have received training in domestic violence issues.
• Merely 18% acknowledge domestic violence as a concern within their own church.
• 74% underestimate the prevalence of sexual and domestic violence among their congregants.
• 47% are completely unaware of instances of abuse within their congregations (FreedomRoad.us Press Release, 2017; LifeWay, 2017, 2018).

Conclusion

If you are reading our website, you are taking an important step toward making a difference. Reviewing our materials throughout our website, including those directed towards individuals who have experienced abuse, will help you learn critical information that will make a difference when caring for all those affected by abuse.

By believing those who have experienced abuse and joining with them in solidarity, we can help restore their sense of belonging, their healing, and their humanity.