At this point, most people know a little bit about trauma, in particular PTSD. It is often connected with combat veterans, first responders, and victims of crime like assault or rape. But did you know that there is another form of trauma that is often overlooked or misunderstood? And in some cases, it is even discounted or judged.
Stephanie Foo, in her courageous interview with NPR, sheds light on complex PTSD, its origins and outcomes (like chronic depression, anxiety, and more). I recommend her memoir, What My Bones Know. Complex PTSD can also be the result of developmental or attachment trauma: seemingly invisible childhood experiences of verbal and psychological abuse, manipulation, neglect, having to be a “little adult” or having to “act above the paygrade.” More here by an esteemed EMDR colleague.