Last Updated on February 3, 2025 by It’s Complicated
Trauma is something many of us are familiar with, whether through personal experience or stories we’ve heard from others. It can be a single event: a car accident, a natural disaster, or a sudden loss. But not all trauma is the same. Complex trauma is different because it’s typically prolonged and repeated, leaving deeper scars and affecting people in ways that can feel difficult to understand or put into words. So, what exactly is complex trauma? And how does it affect people’s lives? Understanding this type of trauma is important, not only for those experiencing it but for those who want to be supportive. By unpacking what complex trauma is and how it affects people, we can start to see the patterns of harm it causes and, hopefully, find ways toward healing.
What Is Complex Trauma?
When we talk about complex trauma, we’re referring to exposure to multiple, long-term, or repeated traumatic events. These experiences often happen in situations where a person feels trapped and powerless, and sadly, they frequently occur during childhood. Complex trauma can stem from abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or other ongoing forms of emotional or physical harm. For children, living in an unpredictable, chaotic, or abusive environment can create trauma that impacts their development, making it harder for them to feel safe in the world or even in their own skin.
One of the defining features of complex trauma is the relationship between the person experiencing it and the person causing it. Unlike trauma from a single event, complex trauma often involves harm done by someone close, such as a caregiver or family member. This makes the trauma not only physically or emotionally painful but also confusing and isolating. It distorts a person’s understanding of trust, love, and safety, which has a ripple effect throughout their lives. It affects their mental, physical, and emotional health in too many ways to count.
How Does Complex Trauma Affect People?
People with complex trauma often carry their pain and fears into adulthood, even if they don’t consciously realize it. The effects can show up in different ways, including emotional, mental, and physical health struggles. Here are some of the ways complex trauma tends to affect people:
1 Difficulty with Relationships and Trust
One of the most significant impacts of complex trauma is how it affects relationships. For people who’ve experienced betrayal or harm by someone close to them, trusting others can feel risky or impossible. They may fear that others will hurt or abandon them, or they might find it hard to believe that anyone truly cares for them. This difficulty with trust can lead to a cycle of pushing people away or staying distant, which makes it hard to form lasting, supportive connections. In some cases, people with complex trauma might even gravitate toward relationships that mirror their traumatic experiences, subconsciously reenacting the dynamics they grew up with. This can create a repeating cycle of pain that reinforces their fear and isolation.

2 Emotional Regulation Issues
Complex trauma affects the way a person manages their emotions. They may struggle with overwhelming emotions, from anger and sadness to guilt and shame, often without understanding why these feelings are so intense. This can make it hard for them to respond in balanced ways to everyday stressors, leading to outbursts or breakdowns that feel out of proportion to the situation.
3 Low Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
Growing up in an environment where a person’s needs weren’t met or where they were repeatedly criticized or belittled can create deep-seated feelings of inadequacy. For many people with complex trauma, there’s an underlying belief that they’re not good enough, unlovable, or somehow flawed. These beliefs can affect everything from their career ambitions to personal relationships, often holding them back from pursuing things they’re passionate about.
Low self-esteem can also lead to self-destructive behaviors. For example, it can be and is linked to substance use disorders, further complicating the healing process and necessitating comprehensive treatment approaches. It can also prevent a person from seeking help or support, as they might feel undeserving of kindness or care.
4 Hypervigilance and Anxiety
For people who have experienced complex trauma, the world can feel like a constantly threatening place. Hypervigilance – a heightened state of awareness and sensitivity to danger – can make everyday situations feel unsafe or unpredictable. This isn’t paranoia; it’s a learned survival mechanism. When someone grows up in a threatening or unstable environment, their brain is conditioned to always look for danger. Even in safe settings, they may feel on edge, scanning for signs of harm, which leads to constant stress and anxiety.
This hyper-awareness can make it hard to relax or enjoy life, as people with complex trauma may feel like they can’t ever truly let their guard down. This can affect their sleep, concentration, and overall quality of life.
5 Physical Health Issues
The mind and body are deeply connected, and trauma doesn’t just affect a person emotionally or mentally; it can have serious physical consequences, too. Chronic stress from complex trauma can lead to a range of health issues, including headaches, digestive problems, and chronic pain. The body holds onto trauma, and over time, it can contribute to conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and even autoimmune disorders. These physical symptoms often go hand-in-hand with emotional struggles, creating a cycle where emotional pain triggers physical symptoms, which in turn intensifies emotional distress.

Finding Pathways to Healing
Complex trauma can feel overwhelming, and the path to healing isn’t easy or straightforward. But with the right support, people can reclaim their sense of safety, self-worth, and happiness. Therapy, especially trauma-informed therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) or somatic therapy, can be effective for working through complex trauma. These approaches help people process traumatic memories in a way that feels safe and manageable.
Additionally, mindfulness and grounding techniques can be helpful tools in managing the day-to-day symptoms of complex trauma. Practices like deep breathing, yoga, or journaling can help people reconnect with their bodies and emotions in a way that feels secure. These practices aren’t a cure, but they can provide small moments of relief that help people feel a bit more in control.
Final Thoughts
Complex trauma is incredibly challenging, both to experience and to understand. It can shape a person’s worldview, impact their health, and influence every relationship in their life. The effects run deep, but it’s important to remember that healing is possible. It may not be a quick or easy journey, but with the right support, people can begin to rebuild a sense of safety, trust, and self-worth. If you or someone you know is struggling with complex trauma, reaching out to a therapist or support group can be a valuable first step. Complex trauma may leave lasting scars, but it doesn’t have to define who you are or what you’re capable of achieving.
Joseph Carfi is a writer and the Chief Marketing Officer at Park Bench Recovery Center and Armada Recovery Center. He provides clear, compassionate insights into the journey of healing through his writing, empowering individuals seeking resilience and connection in recovery.
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