If you’ve been living with long-term trauma and feel like healing is more complicated than it should be, you’re not alone. Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) can develop after repeated or long-term trauma and is often misunderstood or even misdiagnosed. At Northeast Health Services, we’re here to help you on your path to healing. We’re here to support people across Massachusetts searching for the proper mental health care—rooted in your local community and built around your unique story.
CPTSD often requires a more tailored and sustained approach to care. That’s why our team offers therapy, psychiatric medication management, and interventional services to support clients working through complex trauma. If you’re considering PTSD treatment, NEHS can guide you through the process with compassion and understanding every step of the way.
What to know about complex PTSD
Most people are familiar with post-traumatic stress disorder, but not as many have heard of complex PTSD. CPTSD develops after sustained exposure to trauma—particularly during childhood or over a long period without the opportunity to escape the situation. This could include repeated physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, domestic violence, ongoing neglect, or being held captive or trafficked.
According to the National Center for PTSD, 6% of adults in the United States will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. About five out of every 100 U.S. adults has PTSD in any given year.1 Many experts believe CPTSD is underdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms.
Understanding CPTSD and other trauma-related conditions can be a first step toward finding healing. Northeast Health Services expands access to high-quality mental health care in our communities, helping more people find hope and relief.
What are the signs of a trauma-related condition?
The effects of chronic trauma can show up in different ways for each person, but here are a few signs to look out for if you or someone you love is wondering whether trauma might be impacting daily life:
- Experiencing intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares tied to past events
- Struggling with overwhelming feelings of fear, shame, or guilt that don’t seem connected to the present
- Avoiding certain people, places, or situations that bring back painful memories
- Finding it hard to manage emotions or feeling constantly on edge
- Having trouble focusing, remembering things, or feeling out of touch with reality
- Struggling to trust others or build close relationships
- Feeling numb, disconnected, or hopeless
These symptoms don’t mean something “wrong” with you—they’re your mind and body’s way of adapting to overwhelming stress. You deserve support that genuinely understands and cares for everything you’re going through.
How is CPTSD different from PTSD?
While post-traumatic stress disorder and complex PTSD share some symptoms, such as reliving traumatic events or feeling emotionally reactive, CPTSD often brings deeper emotional and relational challenges. For example, people with CPTSD might feel:
- A strong sense of worthlessness
- Ongoing struggles with relationships and trust
- Intense emotions that feel overwhelming and hard to manage
- Frequent dissociation or feeling disconnected from the present
What sets CPTSD apart is that it often develops from trauma experienced repeatedly over time, especially during early, formative years. This kind of prolonged trauma can deeply shape how someone views themselves and the world around them.
At Northeast Health Services, we understand how overwhelming this can be. We provide compassionate support for PTSD and CPTSD, tailoring therapy plans to your unique experiences. Whether you’re facing flashbacks or working to rebuild trust and self-worth, we’re here to help you take the following steps toward healing.
What are other troubling effects of chronic trauma?
Living with chronic trauma can affect so much more than just your emotions. Over time, complex post-traumatic stress disorder can lead to things like:
- Chronic health issues like headaches or stomach problems
- Trouble sleeping and constant fatigue
- Self-harm, substance use, or struggles with food
- Thoughts of suicide or death that won’t go away
- Challenges at school or work because it’s hard to focus or remember things
If any of this feels familiar, please know your struggles are real—and there’s help. Healing from trauma isn’t about erasing the past. It’s about finding ways to live with it that let you move forward without holding you back.
Northeast Health Services is dedicated to supporting your mental health. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, we encourage you to reach out for immediate support through your local crisis services by dialing 988, contacting your local emergency services, or visiting your local emergency room.
How PTSD treatment can help
Finding the proper care for complex post-traumatic stress disorder can genuinely change your life. At Northeast Health Services, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our warm, compassionate team provides a safe space to help you heal and work through trauma.
We offer various treatment options, including:
- Therapy: Our caring therapists use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based therapeutic approaches personalized to fit what works best for you.
- Psychiatric medication management: Psychiatric providers work closely with your therapist to explore medication options that support your healing.
- Interventional psychiatry: For clients who haven’t found relief through traditional approaches, we offer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Spravato® treatments for conditions like treatment-resistant depression (TRD), which may co-occur with CPTSD.
Because trauma affects people in many ways, our team will help you build a plan that fits your needs, preferences, and long-term goals. Whether you prefer in-person visits at one of our local clinics or virtual sessions through telehealth, we’ll meet you where you are—literally and emotionally.
Transform your life for the better with Northeast Health Services in Massachusetts
Living with complex PTSD can be overwhelming and lonely, but you’re not alone—and healing is possible. At Northeast Health Services, we’re proud to be part of the communities we serve, walking alongside you every step of the way. Our team reflects the diversity of the people we care for, and we’re here to listen, support, and help you on your journey to feeling like yourself again.
We’re here for you—let’s take the next step together. Call us today at 508.794.8711 to learn more or schedule an appointment. If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, click here to reach out to our team of empathetic mental health care experts. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.
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