Toxic self blame #CPTSDandmeWTTC #CPTSDblogger

One of the symptoms of complex trauma is toxic self-blame which happens when survivors blame themselves. Blaming oneself for the shame of being a victim is recognized by trauma specialists as a defense against the extreme powerlessness we feel in the wake of a traumatic event.

Self-blame continues the illusion of control that shock destroys but prevents us from the necessary working through of the traumatic feelings and memories to heal and recover.

When children experience trauma, they often are not allowed to feel or confront the full range of emotions they feel, including anger, rage, betrayal, rejection, etc.

If not properly addressed, this repressed feelings and the attendant self-blame can follow them into their adolescence, adulthood, and manifest in numerous emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal problems.

Via CPTSD Foundation #cptsdandme #stopblamingyourself #youmatter #loveyourself #letitout #mentalhealthawareness #cptsd c-ptsdandme.com