c-ptsd, or complex post-traumatic stress disorder, is often misunderstood & misdiagnosed. because its symptoms can look like depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, or even bipolar disorder. unlike, ptsd, which is usually tied to a single event, c-ptsd develops from long-term, repeated trauma such as ongoing abuse. survivors may struggle with trust, emotional regulation, self-worth, & flashbacks, yet many go years without the right diagnosis. this is why awareness & education are so important - so survivors can finally understand their experiences & recieve the care & support they truly need.

c-ptsd

4 common symptoms of c-ptsd

emotional flashbacks

unlike typical flashbacks that replay a memory, emotional flashbacks are sudden, overwhelming waves of fear, shame, or sadness that can feel like reliving the trauma without a clear "picture" of it. survivors may not always understand they they feel this way in that moment, which makes it confusing & exhausting

difficulty regulating emotions

c-ptsd often leaves survivors with intense emotions that feel hard to control - anger, grief, panic, or numbness. these shifts aren't weakness; they're the body's learned survival response after long-term trauma. healing involves learning gentle ways to ground & calm the nervous system.

negative self-perception

survivors of ongoing abuse often carry deep feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness, even though none of the abuse was their fault. this distorted self-view can take root after being told for years that you're "not enough" or "the problem,' & unlearning it is a major step in recovery.

relationship struggles

because trauma teaches people that closeness can be dangerous, survivors may find themselves pulling away from others, struggling with trust, or feeling hypervigilant in relationships. this can create isolation, but with safe support & patience, rebuilding trust & connection is possible.

retraining your brain out of fight or flight

for years, c-ptsd kept me trapped in constant survival mode. neurofeedback helped me retrain my brain so its no longer lived in fight-or-flight, & the difference has been life-changing. my attacks have nearly disappeared, & i finally feel calm, safe, & in control again. healing isn't about "getting over it" - it's about teaching your brain that peace is possible.

c-ptsd workbook

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