Fact sheets

People who have experienced complex trauma, including from childhood, can live full and constructive lives. Some people who experience complex trauma live fulfilling lives from the time of the trauma, while others face different barriers.

Having been abused, neglected or exploited, or experiencing repeated violence can leave you struggling to just feel okay. Some people with complex trauma experiences have never felt okay.

Many survivors find it hard to manage their distress or soothe themselves. That’s because complex trauma, especially from childhood makes managing everyday stress difficult.

Trauma activates the stress response. This is known as a fight, flight and freeze response. It can cause people to be agitated (hyper-aroused). It can also make people shut down (hypoaroused).

All of us need to take time out from stress. This includes the possible triggers of being around people. This is particularly important when we have experienced complex trauma, especially from childhood.

Caring for yourself is often challenging for people who have experienced complex trauma including childhood trauma and abuse. You don’t have to do anything complicated to care for yourself. You can do very simple things, whatever you can manage.

Belonging supports the body in ways that go beyond words or intention. Someone can be surrounded by people and still not feel that they belong. For healing to occur, it is not just connection that matters but safe, consistent experiences of belonging.

Many therapists describe their practice as “trauma-informed”. However, supporting people living with complex trauma or dissociation often requires specialist training and experience.

Finding out that your friend, family member or partner has a dissociative disorder may feel confusing or unsettling.

This fact sheet can help you if you are supporting a family member, friend, partner or someone you care about to recover from childhood trauma or abuse.

If you experienced trauma or abuse as a child this fact sheet can help you understand more about how what happened to you might have affected you.