Identifying Triggers: Childhood Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Emotional Dissonance

Adults who have experienced childhood narcissistic abuse often struggle with emotional dissonance as a result of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). This article delves into the identification of detrimental patterns resulting from emotional dissonance and offers guidance on how to break free from this cycle by engaging in therapy and practicing mindfulness.

Childhood survivors of narcissistic abuse often bear profound emotional scars. Experiencing such prolonged trauma and mistreatment from a parent or authority figure can result in a condition called childhood post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). Although resembling PTSD triggered by a solitary traumatic incident, CPTSD emerges from enduring, inescapable mistreatment and abuse spanning numerous years.

Individuals with CPTSD frequently grapple with emotional dissonance, a discrepancy between their internal emotions and their outward emotional expressions. Despite experiencing intense internal emotions, individuals often project a contrasting outward demeanour. Experiencing such emotional dissonance can pose significant challenges when it comes to establishing positive connections and establishing appropriate boundaries in both personal and professional relationships.

Identifying Unhealthy Patterns

A clear indicator of CPTSD manifesting is a heightened sensitivity towards potential criticism or any circumstance that may evoke feelings of inadequacy. Survivors often find themselves withdrawing from others, expressing anger, or unintentionally damaging their relationships as a result of their profound fears and trauma-induced reactions. Even feedback, no matter how well-intentioned, can sometimes stir up emotional turbulence.

Additionally, certain indicators may suggest emotional dissonance in friendships and careers for individuals with CPTSD:

- Excessively focused on pleasing others

- Always being vigilant and unable to truly express one's true identity

- A deep-seated dread of being left behind

- Viewing others in a simplistic, binary manner

- Experiencing dissociation or emotional numbing

- Experiencing intense emotional responses that may seem out of proportion to the situation at hand.

Breaking the Cycle

Although it can be quite challenging, it is indeed feasible to cultivate more constructive coping strategies and break free from the harmful patterns resulting from the effects of narcissistic abuse and CPTSD. Here are some essential steps:

Therapy: Collaborating with a therapist who specialises in trauma can be immensely beneficial in recognising triggers, navigating complex emotions, and gaining fresh insights.

Practising mindfulness through techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and grounding can effectively help manage and navigate through intense emotional experiences.

Embrace self-compassion and practise kindness towards yourself. Healing requires effort and it is important to grant yourself the gift of patience.

Share your knowledge with those you trust: Inform your close friends and colleagues about CPTSD, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the emotional dissonance involved.

Establishing Boundaries: Develop the skill of effectively communicating your genuine thoughts and emotions, while also asserting your limits with others.

Understanding the profound emotional effects of CPTSD is crucial, as it empowers individuals to identify the underlying patterns of emotional dissonance and trace them back to their origins. Through dedicated effort and mindfulness, we can transform our reactions to trauma and cultivate a harmonious alignment of our emotions.