PTSD, CPTSD & Cancer: The Hidden Connection

Understanding PTSD & CPTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often associated with war veterans, but trauma comes in many forms. Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is a more prolonged form of trauma, typically caused by repeated or ongoing stress, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or medical trauma. A cancer diagnosis—and the grueling journey of treatments, surgeries, and uncertainty—can be a deeply traumatic experience, leaving many survivors with symptoms of PTSD or CPTSD.

Signs You May Have PTSD or CPTSD After Cancer

Recognizing the signs of trauma-related stress is the first step toward healing. Symptoms may include:

• Flashbacks or Intrusive Thoughts – Re-experiencing the trauma of diagnosis, treatment, or medical procedures.

• Hypervigilance & Anxiety – Feeling constantly on edge, worrying about recurrence, or experiencing medical-related phobias.

• Emotional Numbness & Avoidance – Withdrawing from social interactions or avoiding anything that reminds you of cancer.

• Dysregulation & Triggers – Feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or experiencing extreme emotional swings.

• Chronic Fatigue & Insomnia – A lingering sense of exhaustion or disrupted sleep patterns.

How Trauma Impacts the Body & Healing

Chronic stress and trauma can dysregulate the nervous system, leading to prolonged inflammation, immune dysfunction, and increased risk of illness. Studies show that unresolved trauma can even impact cellular health and hinder the body’s ability to recover fully. This makes addressing PTSD and CPTSD a critical part of post-cancer healing.

Holistic Approaches to Healing Trauma

Healing from PTSD and CPTSD requires a mind-body approach. Some of the most effective therapies include:

• Somatic Healing – Practices like breathwork, yoga, and tai chi help regulate the nervous system and release stored trauma.

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) – A powerful therapy that helps reprocess traumatic memories and reduce their emotional charge.

• Mindfulness & Meditation – Reduces hypervigilance and calms the stress response.

• Nervous System Regulation – Techniques like vagus nerve stimulation, cold therapy, and grounding exercises support emotional resilience.

• Supportive Nutrition & Adaptogens – Herbal remedies like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Reishi mushrooms help balance stress hormones.

Final Thoughts

The emotional toll of cancer doesn’t end when treatment stops. Addressing trauma and stress is essential for true healing. If you’re looking for a comprehensive approach to detoxing trauma from the body, explore our Ultimate Detox eBook available on our website and on Etsy at Holistic Horizons Co.