10 Signs of CPTSD specific for the Fearful Avoidant Attachment Style| HealingFa.com

Summary

In this video, Bina discusses 10 signs of complex PTSD specific to the fearful avoidant attachment style. She explains emotional flashbacks, vulnerability triggers, high-stress breathing, hypervigilance, difficulty relaxing, fear of the 'other shoe dropping,' relationship OCD, suppression of emotions, and social performance anxiety. Bina emphasizes the importance of recognizing these signs as a step towards healing, and she introduces EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) as a powerful tool for overcoming these challenges and achieving a more peaceful, loving core.

Takeaways

• 😣 Emotional flashbacks are intense emotional responses triggered by seemingly unrelated current events, often linked to past traumas.
• 😔 Vulnerability triggers can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and anger, stemming from negative past associations with being vulnerable.
• 😰 High chest breathing and constant stress are signs of a body in a constant state of tension and hypervigilance.
• 👀 Hypervigilance involves scanning the environment for potential threats, leading to a lack of relaxation and a heightened sense of anxiety.
• 🛑 The inability to truly relax is a common issue, with the fear of relaxing often tied to a fear of losing control or experiencing negative emotions.
• 👟 Waiting for the 'other shoe to drop' is a state of constant anxiety, where good moments are tainted by the expectation of impending negative events.
• 🔄 Relationship OCD is characterized by obsessive thoughts about the relationship's stability and one's own feelings, indicating a need for control in relationships.
• 🚫 Suppressing emotions is a coping mechanism that can lead to a buildup of unprocessed feelings, potentially leading to emotional outbursts or mental health issues.
• 🎭 Social performance is driven by a need to be perfect in the eyes of others, often due to past experiences of harsh criticism or judgment.
• 🌟 Healing is possible with the right tools and techniques, such as EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), which can help release trapped emotions and lead to a more peaceful state of being.

Q & A

What are the 10 signs of complex PTSD specific to the fearful avoidant attachment style?

The 10 signs include emotional flashbacks, vulnerability triggers, high breathing and constant stress, hypervigilance, not allowing oneself to relax, always being on edge for the 'other shoe to drop', relationship OCD, suppressing emotions, and feeling the need to perform socially.

What are emotional flashbacks and how do they relate to complex PTSD?

Emotional flashbacks are intense emotional reactions that occur without any apparent trigger in the present. They can transport a person emotionally back to a specific time in their childhood, causing confusion and distress. They are related to complex PTSD as they can be a result of unresolved trauma from the past.

How does vulnerability trigger shame and guilt in fearful avoidant individuals?

For fearful avoidant individuals, feeling vulnerable can trigger shame and guilt because vulnerability was not accepted in their childhood. It's associated with negative connotations such as weakness, loss of control, and potential betrayal, leading to a panicked response.

What is the significance of high breathing and constant stress in the context of complex PTSD?

High breathing and constant stress are signs that the body is in a state of tension and hypervigilance, which can be a result of a chaotic and stressful childhood. This pattern of breathing reinforces the body's stress response, making it difficult to relax and feel safe.

How does hypervigilance manifest in individuals with complex PTSD?

Hypervigilance is the constant scanning of one's surroundings for potential threats. In individuals with complex PTSD, this can lead to an inability to relax and enjoy the present moment, as they are always on the lookout for things that could go wrong.

What does it mean to not allow oneself to relax in the context of complex PTSD?

Not allowing oneself to relax means that even during activities that are typically relaxing, such as watching a movie, the individual remains in a state of tension or distraction. This is because true relaxation feels unsafe to them, as it is associated with a loss of control and potential for negative emotions to surface.

Why do fearful avoidant individuals often feel the need to control their relationships?

Fearful avoidant individuals may feel the need to control their relationships due to a deep-seated fear of rejection and abandonment. This need for control, often referred to as relationship OCD, stems from a desire to prevent potential pain and ensure that they are doing everything 'right' to maintain the relationship.

How does suppressing emotions contribute to complex PTSD in fearful avoidant individuals?

Suppressing emotions can contribute to complex PTSD as it prevents the individual from processing and healing past traumas. Over time, this can lead to a buildup of unresolved emotions, which can manifest as emotional outbursts or emotional numbness.

What is the impact of feeling the need to perform socially on individuals with complex PTSD?

Feeling the need to perform socially can lead to increased self-consciousness and anxiety in social situations. This can be particularly challenging for individuals with complex PTSD, as it may be rooted in past experiences of criticism and judgment, leading to a constant need for validation and approval from others.

How can EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) help in healing from complex PTSD?

EFT is a healing modality that involves tapping on specific body points while focusing on the issue at hand. It can help release emotional blocks and traumas, allowing individuals to process their emotions and move towards a state of peace and love. This technique can be particularly effective for those with complex PTSD, as it provides a tangible method for addressing and releasing emotional pain.

What is the 'Healed and Happy' program and how does it relate to the fearful avoidant attachment style?

The 'Healed and Happy' program is an online program designed to guide individuals through the process of healing the roots of the fearful avoidant attachment style. It uses techniques such as EFT to release and heal emotional traumas, with the goal of helping individuals lead a more fulfilling and emotionally healthy life.