C-PTSD is a condition that results from exposure to repeated and prolonged trauma. Do you have any idea what being exposed to such intense stress does to your body? Well, it impacts how your brain develops. That sucks, but it's true.

For example, studies have shown that the amygdala in C-PTSD patients (a part of the brain responsible for processing emotions and fear responses) is larger than the amygdala of those without C-PTSD. No wonder you feel scared more often than someone without C-PTSD. I know I certainly do!

But that's not the only way that stress can have a physiological impact. There are actually three pretty serious changes that have been identified through scientific studies. This article takes a dive into what they are and what that means for you.

Change No. 1: Structural

A study in the journal "Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging" found that individuals with C-PTSD had smaller hippocampal volumes than healthy people (Bremner et al., 2011). Why is this relevant? Well, the hippocampus is responsible for the formation, consolidation, and retrieval of memories, including both short-term memories (such as remembering where you parked your car) and long-term memories (such as your first day of school or your wedding day). Ever wondered why you have significant memory blocks or you have trouble remembering things? This is a common symptom of individuals with C-PTSD and perhaps this explains why.

That's not all.

Another study published in the journal "Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging" in 2013 found that individuals with C-PTSD had a larger amygdala than healthy controls (Shin et al., 2013). That's what we mentioned at the start of this blog and could explain some symptoms you may be experiencing like anxiety, fear, or aggression because the amygdala is responsible for all those emotions.

Change No. 2: Functional

Studies have also investigated changes in brain function among individuals with C-PTSD. One study in 2008 found that individuals with C-PTSD had altered activity in the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex compared to healthy people (Bremner et al., 2008). This means that not only is the amygdala larger in C-PTSD patients but there's also increased activity. For me, that explains why I am forever feeling like the odd one out because I find it so difficult to regulate my emotions. I will always be the most nervous going into a new situation or the most emotionally reactive during an argument with friends.

And guess how that makes me feel? Isolated, alone, and different from everyone else. However, knowing that my brain is functioning differently than my friends makes me realize why I act out in those ways when they don't. This understanding is key for me because it allows me to treat myself (and my symptoms) with compassion. It is OK to feel the way I do because I'm built differently. I hope you can start to feel the same, too.

Change No. 3: Hormones

Last but not least I wanted to raise something we've all heard of. Something that gets a pretty bad rap... Hormones! No surprise, C-PTSD has been associated with the stress hormone, cortisol. A study published in the journal "Psychoneuroendocrinology" in 2015 found that individuals with C-PTSD had elevated cortisol levels compared to healthy controls (Steudte et al., 2015).

What does it mean when you have high cortisol levels? Well, I knew too well that high cortisol contributes to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia in individuals with C-PTSD. However, what I didn't know was that cortisol has also been linked to these nasty side effects:

Increased blood sugar levels: Cortisol can stimulate the liver to produce more glucose, leading to elevated blood sugar levels which is particularly concerning for individuals with diabetes.

Suppressed immune system: Cortisol can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illness.

Muscle and bone loss: High cortisol levels can lead to muscle wasting and bone loss, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

Weight gain: Cortisol can stimulate appetite and promote the deposition of fat, particularly in the abdominal area, leading to weight gain.

Mood changes: Cortisol can affect mood and mental health, potentially leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and irritability.

So what does all this mean for you? Your healing journey is going to take time because you’re reverting physical changes in your brain and body, and that’s okay. We'll be right here with you.

I imagine that no one would be impacted by everything discussed in this article at the same time, and there isn't even a guarantee that you would be impacted by any of them. However, there's certainly compelling enough reason to not only recover from C-PTSD but to have compassion for yourself in the process!

Remember that the effect of C-PTSD can be influenced by so many things like coping strategies, your own resilience, and your access to treatment and support. So however you choose to progress on your recovery journey don't compare yourself to others. Your journey is non-linear and different from theirs. Take it one step at a time.

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