PTSD and C-PTSD

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) develops as a result of prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic experiences, particularly during early developmental years. This often includes ongoing childhood abuse, emotional neglect, or long-term exposure to domestic violence. Unlike PTSD, which usually stems from a single traumatic event, C-PTSD reflects the cumulative toll of chronic trauma and the lack of safety or support during those experiences.

In addition to the core symptoms found in PTSD—such as intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood changes, and heightened arousal—C-PTSD involves a range of additional and often more pervasive psychological difficulties:

• Emotional Regulation Issues: Individuals may struggle to manage their emotional responses, becoming easily overwhelmed or emotionally shut down. They might experience frequent mood swings, intense feelings of anger or sadness, and difficulty calming themselves after distress.

• Distorted Self-Perception: People with C-PTSD often carry deep-seated feelings of guilt, shame, and worthlessness. They may believe they are fundamentally damaged or different from others, which can severely impact their self-esteem and identity.

• Interpersonal Difficulties: Building and maintaining healthy relationships can be especially challenging. People may find it hard to trust others, fear abandonment, or feel emotionally distant—even in close relationships. This can lead to a sense of loneliness and social withdrawal.

• Dissociation and Detachment: Survivors might feel disconnected from their own thoughts, feelings, or bodies (a phenomenon known as depersonalization). They may also experience derealization, where the world around them feels unreal or dreamlike. Memory gaps, especially around traumatic events, are also common.

Additionally, individuals with C-PTSD may struggle with a persistent sense of threat, even in safe environments, and may have trouble identifying or expressing their needs. Because the trauma often begins in childhood, it can disrupt normal psychological development, affecting everything from emotional maturity to the ability to form a stable sense of self.