When most people think of PTSD, they often think of veterans, survivors of natural disasters and individuals who have experienced a single traumatic event. While PTSD does affect these groups, as an adult child of an alcoholic (ACoA), you may be experiencing this challenging condition, too. Understanding PTSD and how it may be affecting your life is the first step toward healing. Here’s what you need to know about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in adult children of alcoholics:
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is an anxiety-related mental health condition that stems from a traumatic experience or set of experiences. PTSD symptoms can last for years and are often debilitating.
For people who grew up with an alcoholic parent, the PTSD they experience is often very complex. While many people who have PTSD experienced a single traumatic event, for adult children of alcoholics, PTSD is often the result of many years of trauma, instability and chaos. As an ACoA, PTSD may be affecting many aspects of your life, including maintaining positive relationships, having a healthy sense of self-esteem and experiencing joy and fulfillment. Taking steps toward healing is essential for living your life to the fullest.
Signs You May Have PTSD
Although PTSD affects everyone differently, here are some common signs to look for if you suspect you may be experiencing PTSD:
- Inability to Trust Others: Because of unstable and chaotic relationships with their parents, it’s common for ACoAs with PTSD to have difficulty trusting others or forming healthy relationships as adults.
- Anxiety and Depression: Studies show that ACoAs with PTSD are more likely to also suffer from depression and anxiety.
- Struggles with Self Esteem: In their early years, children form their perception of themselves from their parents. Unfortunately, it’s common for children of alcoholics to experience emotional neglect and lack of positive affirmation, leading them to develop a negative self-image.
- Becoming Triggered: ACoAs with PTSD sometimes become triggered by sights, sounds, smells or anything else that reminds them of their past trauma.
- Flashbacks: ACoAs suffering from PTSD often experience nightmares, flashbacks or vivid memories of distressing past events.
How to Heal From PTSD
If you are struggling with PTSD as an Adult Child of an Alcoholic, it’s important to seek help. Although some mental health conditions naturally improve over time, PTSD can last for decades, especially the complex PTSD that Adult Children of Alcoholics experience. Fortunately, there are many treatment options that can help you find the healing you need.
Attending therapy and joining support groups can help you process your emotions, unpack difficult past experiences and gain the tools you need to move forward with your life in a healthy way. In some cases, medication and emotional support animals can also play a useful role. It’s also important to prioritize self-care. Invest in yourself by making time for hobbies you enjoy, getting enough sleep, exercising and relaxing and recharging.
Ultimately, if you are suffering from PTSD as an ACoA, it’s important to know that healing can be yours! Although it may take time and effort, you can find peace and serenity.
Related recommended book
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD.
Here’s how to get started on your healing journey:
