We have to talk about Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)

People often feel like they need to point to a single event or distinct trauma to explain their experiences. But complex PTSD (CPTSD) is far more intricate because it develops from repeated or prolonged trauma—often in early childhood—where escape was not an option. While your conscious mind may not remember, your body does.

Individuals with C-PTSD frequently exist in a constant state of fight or flight, or what we often refer to in therapy as "survival mode." Unlike PTSD, which is often linked to a specific traumatic event that can lead to flashbacks and distressing memories, C-PTSD is rooted in chronic trauma. This means the nervous system has become conditioned to be on high alert, even in safe environments. This makes it difficult to feel grounded or secure.

C-PTSD can result from emotional neglect, chronic abuse, instability in early relationships, or other forms of ongoing distress. Since the trauma is pervasive, the symptoms are more complex. People with C-PTSD may experience emotional dysregulation, a deep sense of shame, difficulty trusting others, and a persistent feeling of being unsafe—even when there is no immediate threat.

Healing from C-PTSD is a deeply personal and ongoing journey. It’s not about forgetting the past, but about learning to live with it  in the present free of the constant weight of fear, shame, and hypervigilance. It requires patience, compassion, and a commitment to creating new pathways of safety and connection. With the right support, tools, and self-compassion, you can reclaim your sense of self and begin to experience a life beyond survival mode!