Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder* refers to those who have suffered prolonged, repeated trauma and abuse. This is often endured by those who have been in any totalistic, abusive, mind-manipulating group. Trauma is known to disrupt the chemistry in the brain.
NOTE: If you are a veteran reading this page and are suffering PTSD or TBI, please go to K9 Partners for Patriots. We highly recommend this organization. For more help for vets or any survivor of trauma, see below under “Offsite Links With Helpful Information.”
A history of subjection to totalitarian control over a prolonged period (months to years) can result in CPTSD. Examples include hostages, prisoners of war, concentration-camp survivors, and survivors of some religious cults; those subjected to totalitarian systems in sexual and domestic life, including survivors of domestic battering, childhood physical or sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.
If you are suffering from CPTSD, don’t delay in seeking qualified, competent help. See: Critical Incident Stress Information Sheets (PDF)
[Note: Not every survivor will exhibit all of the following symptoms.]
Alterations in emotional regulation, including:
- Persistent dysphoria (sadness)
- Chronic suicidal preoccupation
- Self-injury
- Explosive anger or extremely inhibited anger (may alternate)
- Compulsive or extremely inhibited sexuality (may alternate)
Alterations in consciousness, including:
- Amnesia or hypermnesia for traumatic events
- Transient dissociative episodes
- Depersonalization/derealization (feeling detached from one’s mental processes or body)
- Reliving experiences, either in the form of intrusive post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms or in the form of ruminative preoccupation)
Alterations in self-perception, including:
- Sense of helplessness or paralysis of initiative
- Shame, guilt, and self-blame
- Sense of defilement or stigma
- Sense of complete difference from others (may include sense of specialness)
- Utter aloneness, belief no other person can understand, or nonhuman identity)
Alterations in perception of perpetrator, including:
- Preoccupation with relationship with perpetrator (includes preoccupation with revenge)
- Unrealistic attribution of total power to perpetrator (caution: victim’s assessment of power realities may be more realistic than clinician’s)
- Idealization or paradoxical gratitude
- Sense of special or supernatural relationship
- Acceptance of belief system or rationalizations of perpetrator
Alterations in relations with others, including:
- Isolation and withdrawal
- Disruption in intimate relationships
- Repeated search for rescuer (may alternate with isolation and withdrawal)
- Persistent distrust
- Repeated failures of self-protection
Alterations in systems of meaning:
- Loss of sustaining faith
- Sense of hopelessness and despair
Recovery from Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder:
- Establishing safety and empowerment of the survivor
- Remembrance and mourning
- Reconnection
- Commonality (a feeling of connection to others)
*Also referred to as complex post-traumatic stress syndrome.
~Excerpted from Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman, M.D.
Posted by Exit & Support Network™
February 2000
Offsite links updated 5-31-25
Comment: Involvement in mind manipulating groups can also cause “anxiety in re-socialization.” Diagnosis depends on the individual symptoms that appear, not the severity of the experience. Competent counseling by someone who understands trauma and thought reform methods and their after effects is recommended when the survivor is having difficulty in recovering.
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES:
Common Emotional Difficulties After Leaving a High Demand Group
Surviving
Written for those who have suffered extreme abuse and who are having a difficult time recovering from exploitive, soul-damaging situations.
The Key to Overcoming Anxiety, Panic & Worry
Revisiting Antidepressant Drug Dangers by Jefferey Jaxen (scroll down for article)
Prayers For Freedom From Spiritual Strongholds
Very effective in gaining liberation from strongholds and oppression due to involvement in any harmful, abusive group or occult practices.
OFFSITE LINKS WITH HELPFUL INFORMATION:
Dissociative Identity Disorder
Christian Index of Help for Multiple Personality Disorder.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
This kind of therapy helps survivors to use tools to control moods that can go out of control very rapidly. If you are struggling with any kind of destructive behavior; i.e., suicidal behavior, or self-injury, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been found to be helpful.
Help for Veterans: 5 Wilderness Therapy Programs for Vets [please give this page time to load]
EMDR
A number of survivors who have suffered trauma say they have been helped with a new procedure called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Notice: Therapists trained in complex trauma-related conditions (including mind control trauma) have told us that if the survivor is dissociative (DID), this therapy may cause a flooding of memories. Please discuss this, and any other questions, with a qualified therapist. [offsite links]
Information and Resources on Trauma, Dissociation, & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms; causes; types; help.
Magnesium and Your Nerves by Dr. Carolyn Dean (will cover anxiety)
The Magnesium Miracle (2nd edition) by Dr. Carolyn Dean
Book available on Amazon
Rapid recovery from major depression using magnesium treatment
Magnesium for treatment-resistant depression: a review and hypothesis
MORE ON OUR LINKS:
Links/Music (Recommended for those who are depressed, have anxiety, or can’t sleep. Many relaxing musical pieces.)