Reclaiming Your Nervous System: Moving Through PTSD and C-PTSD
Recovering from PTSD and C-PTSD is not simply about "getting over it"; it's about learning to live with what once controlled us. Trauma traps us in repetitive emotional cycles, causing us to react to present situations with yesterday's fears. Our bodies remain tense, our minds alert, and our hearts closed off. We fall into these patterns not by choice, but because our nervous systems are designed to protect us. Healing involves recognizing these cycles, gently interrupting them, and creating new pathways based on safety, connection, and self-compassion.
How PTSD/C-PTSD Keeps Us Stuck:
We remain in a survival mindset, constantly scanning for threats even in secure environments.
Our responses frequently stem from previous suffering rather than current circumstances.
We experience a sense of emotional confinement, repeatedly encountering the same triggers, shame, and difficulties in relationships.
Trauma leads us to believe that we are either overwhelmed, inadequate, or perpetually unsafe.
We adjust by disconnecting from our true selves through numbness, excessive work, or evading intimacy.
Therapies That Help Us Unwind the Cycle:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps the brain reprocess trauma so it no longer overwhelms us.
IFS (Internal Family Systems) invites us to connect with the parts of ourselves we've pushed away, treating them with kindness.
Polyvagal-informed therapy teaches us how our nervous system works and how to regain regulation.
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) offers tools to manage intense emotions, enhance communication, and maintain emotional stability.
How We Begin to Move Forward:
We identify the patterns and stop blaming ourselves for them.
We learn to respond rather than react. We take our time, take deep breaths, and ground ourselves.
We approach our experiences with curiosity instead of criticism.
We refrain from allowing our pain to dictate our choices.
We cultivate trust within ourselves, one moment and one breath at a time.
Most importantly, we recognize that healing doesn’t mean erasing the past; it involves no longer allowing it to control our lives.
The Importance of Self-Care:
I often emphasize to my clients the importance of physical activity. Moving our bodies helps release stress and emotions, which relaxes the nervous system and restores equilibrium. Activities such as walking, yoga, and other mindful movements can be particularly effective in alleviating symptoms of PTSD, C-PTSD, and intrusive thoughts. Integrating consistent movement into your self-care routine is not only beneficial but also a vital aspect of healing. By prioritizing your body’s needs, you signal to your nervous system that it is now safe.