What Is C-PTSD? (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Complex PTSD is different from PTSD. With PTSD, there’s typically one traumatic incident that an individual is dealing with; however, Complex PTSD is a diagnosis that occurs when a person experiences repeated episodes of trauma. The individual has experienced several traumatic incidents which may have happened over the years. Their symptoms can be more severe than someone who has PTSD. The reason for this is that their trauma is repeated and prolonged.

A person who has Complex PTSD may cope with childhood sexual abuse or repeated incidents of trauma where they begin to be distrusting of other people. People who have been raised in an unsafe household are likely to have Complex PTSD. When a parent harms a child, they grow up being fearful that they may be hurt again. Complex PTSD doesn’t necessarily have to be related to child abuse but can affect adults. Anyone who has experienced repeated trauma can have this diagnosis. If you have survived the repeated traumatic incidents, you could benefit from seeking mental health treatment. Consider seeing an online therapist so you can work through your pain.

If you or someone you know is dealing with a challenging situation and could benefit from additional support, consider talking to one of the 10,000 licensed online counselors at BetterHelp.

IMPORTANT: The information in this video is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your doctor.

[tonypanful]

psychotherapist Alfred Adler - “A lucky person's lifetime is cured by childhood, while an unlucky person's lifetime is spent curing childhood.”

[codacreator]

One of the most difficult things about CPTSD... is getting people to take you seriously when it all catches up with you and crushes your ability to function. At all. Then, they respond by telling you, "Just get over it. You can do this. You just have to accept that your trauma happened and you got through it. It's over."

No kidding? I'm so glad you're so understanding and supportive. I'll be sure to include you in my note.

[YounJ]

Got 9 on my ace score 😞 Anyone reading this who went through hell just know you’re not alone and we’re strong 🙏🏻🔥 Find your tribe

[Joelswinger]

It's often way more than "several" events that lead to CPTSD! Like thousands!And sadly, they often don't "lose" trust in others because they never got the opportunity to ever develop trust. "Healing" implies becoming whole again. I think what makes healing from child abuse so hard is that the victim has no "before" to go back to. They are trying to become something they have never been.

[olorcain]

My therapist first told me about this in relationship to my childhood, C-PTSD has been costing me jobs and affects my relationships with others. I used to beat myself up because I never understood what was wrong with me. Thank you for the video!

[misstery]

Realizing the true nature of even the people you consider good people is devastating... when those ppl turn a blind eye out of loyalty to others you begin to realize that there is no fairness in this world. It's a lonely life when you come to stark realization

[arielm]

My ACE score was 7. It could be worse! My goal by the end of next year is to continue my path of healing from childhood trauma and abuse. Good luck to everyone in the same boat 💜

[FatNebraskaMom]

When you do the ACE test and the therapist looks scared lmao.

[vendivukelic]

They are invisible but the consequences can be VERY visible.

[vl]

I’ve been reading about childhood emotional neglect and I read that it causes C-PTSD in kids and I think this explains why I get overwhelmed easily. Life in general can seem overwhelming to me at most times and being around people has always been difficult for me. I have social anxiety which of course explains this but it’s possible my social anxiety is a symptom of the PTSD itself? Like even if I’m not anxious in social situations I get drained very easily and I just wanna go home and not deal with anything or talk to anyone. Being in school environments is especially hard for me because I grew up being bullied all the time. I was not able to finish high school because my social anxiety and inability to handle being in a school environment too long got the best of me.

[kumarlavanyam]

Useful explanation given about C-PTSD. It is really surprise to know that C-PTSD is often misdiagnosed as borderline personality disorder and similarities between both results in confusion. Thanks for sharing.

[mikeshargent]

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD; also known as complex trauma disorder) is a psychological disorder that can develop in response to prolonged, repeated experience of interpersonal trauma in a context in which the individual has little or no chance of escape.

[Evie]

I've been diagnosed with cptsd. Had the label of BPD. You're totally spot on, there is no risk taking only protection, of self. BPD is an attention seeking pattern . Cptsd are very private

[kamadualeh]

You can definitely get through this👏🏾 I am diagnosed with complex PTSD and I have not had any triggers and fall backs nor any episodes for 2 years! Seek help, that’s what helped me and stay thriving and love yourself enough to fight for yourself ❤️❤️

[Ariel]

Ma’am, I can see that you’ve suffered so much because there’s a sadness in your eyes. I appreciate you for sharing these videos because they are very helpful but it is not easy to talk about, especially when you can personally empathize with the pain that others are facing. I don’t know what you may have gone through but I can see that you are a beautiful beautiful woman, who deserves to be treated with love and respect. Those eyes should be lit up with happiness. Thank you so much for helping others feel understood with your videos.

[lindseyluna]

I was in my early 20s when I took the ACEs questionnaire and I scored an 8. It really put into perspective the gravity of what I was running from and the seriousness of the health issues I would face should I ignore treatment. I was a smoker and alcoholic. I had serious digestive and skin issues. I am now sober and smoke free. My skin issue are mostly cleared up and same with my digestive issues. Childhood trauma is no joke. I never thought I dealt with anything all that bad in childhood until I took that questionnaire. Treatment is available. You can get better. You deserve to heal.

[jencgold]

It is a living hell. I would not wish this on my worst enemy. Therapy only seems to make it worse. I’m surprised I’m still alive. Thank u for explaining so others can get it.

[damienfallon]

I have just been diagnosed with C-PTSD from my military service with the Australian army. I can say that it sucks having it I no longer like doing the things that I loved doing. In fact I don't like doing anything at all I find it really hard to find the motivation to do anything including getting out of bed or going out or see friends

[zaviahopethomas-woundedsou]

Thanks for the clear definition. I was diagnosed with PTSD 14 years ago but I clearly understand it was Complex PTSD now. I went through a lifetime of abuse starting with a narcissistic mother and a malignant covert narcissistic sister-in-law that married into the family when I was 7. I was also married to two narcissistic men as well as sexually abused starting at the age of 6. Just over two years ago I was tested again and I no longer have C-PTSD only some aspects. But it has only been in the past three years I have realized my sister-in-law was the one who caused the most damage in my life, she is so sadistic and has a way of hiding it from most people. Two and a half years ago I went no contact with all but one of my brothers. I would not have done that with my father if he was still alive but he passed away many years ago. It has been the toughest part in the last few years but worth going through all the pain to heal and forgive so they no longer control my life. It makes you truly understand and value peace!

I still do a lot of studying on domestic violence not only to continue my healing journey but to help me in preparing to start a non-profit organization to help those leaving a short term shelter. Too many women return to abuse because they have no where to go after 30-90 days in the shelter. I believe when one is exposed to extended trauma starting as a young child and never having an understanding that it is not normal or ok, is much more damaging than entering it as an adult. The healing is much harder because you respond to the childhood memories emotionally as though you are still that young child.

I know I am rare in overcoming C-PTSD, and I still cannot handle people manipulating me, enraged, angry, or seething. It leaves me incapacitated for a few weeks to a few months. But now I can sense if a person has a pattern of that kind of behavior and I stay away from them. Thanks again for this video.

[g.s.]

I also struggle with PTSD. It has been a very long and slow journey and I am still looking for answers for healing.
Thank you for your encouraging words.