Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) emerged in the late 1990s as a response to the growing recognition of how trauma—especially repetitive trauma—affects an individual’s brain, nervous system, and overall health. Groundbreaking neuroimaging and scientific research revealed that trauma could leave individuals stuck in states of reactivity and chronic inflammation, impacting both their mental and physical well-being.

Dissociation is a common response to trauma and stress, but how do you know when it's a sign of something more serious? Dissociation involves a disconnect between thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions, and identity. For those with Complex PTSD (CPTSD) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), dissociation can become a frequent coping mechanism—impacting daily life, work, and relationships.

To better understand C-PTSD, it’s important to first grasp the core aspects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Both conditions share many symptoms, but C-PTSD is distinct in its complexity and long-term impacts.

This article dives into the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.

When someone you care about is facing profound loss or grief, it can feel impossible to know what to say or do. You may wonder:

• What if I say the wrong thing?

• Will I make it worse?

• Should I bring it up or avoid it entirely?

Grief can be like driving down a road in the dark—sometimes, the only thing visible are the lines on the road, guiding you forward one step at a time.