Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the human response to experiencing a traumatic event. This listing is a mix of symptoms of Complex (PTSD), which is the result of months or years of exposure to excessively controlled sexual and domestic life situations (survivors of domestic violence, incest, battering, molestation, clergy sexual abuse, date rape, marital or partner rape, child abuse, childhood sexual abuse and organized sexual exploitation). Every individual is different and will have different combinations of symptoms. Most have depression and or panic and anxiety attacks. The issue of substance abuse or addiction is to be considered.       1) Alienation, feeling disconnected or abandoned form the purpose of the world, feeling all alone   2) Avoiding activities that arouse memories of the trauma/abuse   3) Compulsive or extremely inhibited sexuality   4) Cynicism, believing others are motivated by selfishness   5) Depression (sad, crying,angry, easily annoyed, on edge. These moods may happen in cycles or may be present most of the time)   6) Dissociative (spacing out)   7) Distrust of authority figures   8) Distrust of those previously trusted   9) Emotional distancing (not letting others see your true feelings)   10) Expressing a limited range of emotions   11) Explosive anger or overcontrolled anger   12) Flashbacks (intrusive memories) or feeling like you are reliving the abuse   13) Feeling helpless   14) Feeling hopeless, despair   15) Hypervigilance (watchful,always in a ready state to respond to potential crisis or trauma)   16) Loss of interest in activities or work   17) Loss of sustaining faith   18) Memory deficits or blackouts   19) Negative self image   20) Nightmares   21) Numbness, inability to feel emotions   22) Panic attacks   23) Problems with intimate relationships   24) Repeated failures of self-protection   25) Self-injury   26) Separation issues   27) Shame, guilt and self-blame   28) Sleep disturbances   29) Suicidal feelings, suicidal thoughts, suicidal actions   30) Survivor guilt   31) Withdrawal or isolation from family, friends, etc.     Recovering from PTSD is an ongoing process, a journey. Healing doesn't mean that a survivor will forget the trauma of violence, sexual assault or have no emotional pain when remembering the assault. Some level of continuing reaction to memories is normal and reflects normal body and mind functions. Our healing journey will lead to fewer reactions and reactions that are less intense. As we learn and grow stronger, our lives will become more manageable.