What Is C-PTSD? Understanding Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

C-PTSD can sound very similar to PTSD — and it’s true that they share overlapping symptoms — but there are important differences between the two.

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PTSD vs C-PTSD

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a mental health condition that may develop after a single traumatic event — such as a car accident, natural disaster, assault, or war. Common symptoms include:

• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Hypervigilance (feeling on edge or unsafe)
• Emotional numbness
• Avoidance of reminders of the trauma

In contrast, C-PTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) typically arises after repeated or prolonged trauma, especially during childhood. It is often linked to situations where a person feels trapped, powerless, or unable to escape — such as:

• Ongoing abuse or neglect
• Domestic violence
• Chronic bullying
• Dysfunctional family systems

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Symptoms of C-PTSD

While some symptoms overlap with PTSD, C-PTSD has additional features that deeply affect a person’s sense of identity, relationships, and emotional regulation. These may include:

• Difficulty managing emotions
• Persistent feelings of shame or guilt
• Struggles with self-worth
• Trust and attachment issues
• Emotional flashbacks (intense emotional responses without a clear memory)
• Dissociation or depersonalisation

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My Story: Living With C-PTSD

I developed C-PTSD from a mix of dysfunctional dynamics at home and constant bullying at school.

Since I was young, I experienced recurring nightmares that only began to fade when I left home at age 21. I struggled to manage my emotions, especially in my teens and early adulthood, and often felt like I was being controlled by them.

At times, leaving the house felt impossible. I’d experience overwhelming anxiety and irrational fears that someone might attack me, even when I was completely safe. These are known as emotional flashbacks — trauma responses triggered by something that unconsciously reminds your nervous system of past harm.

I also experienced moments of depersonalisation — feeling like I wasn’t real, as if I was watching life unfold through a glass window or playing a video game.

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How I Began to Heal

Recovery has been a slow and difficult process — but it began when I removed myself from harmful relationships and environments that were affecting my mental health.

Therapy played a huge role in helping me:

• Understand and regulate my emotions
• Work through depression
• Reconnect with myself and others
• Build emotional safety and self-awareness

It’s taken time, patience, and lots of self-compassion. I’m still healing — but I’ve come a long way.

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There Is Hope

If you’re living with C-PTSD or supporting someone who is, please know this:

✨ You’re not broken.
✨ You’re not overreacting.
✨ You’re not alone.

Recovery from C-PTSD is possible. It might be slow, and it might be messy — but healing can happen. Reach out to someone you trust, seek professional support if you’re able to, and know that your story matters.

With you in this,
🕊️ Ness