What is CPTSD? Key Symptoms and How It Impacts Your Life
You’ve probably heard of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), but have you heard of CPTSD? It stands for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and while it’s not talked about as much, it affects a lot of people. If you or someone you know has been through trauma, especially if the effects have lasted longer than you expected, CPTSD might be something to consider.
At Willow and Moss Counseling, we believe that understanding what’s going on in your mind and body is a huge part of healing. So, let’s break it down: What is CPTSD, how does it show up, and how can you work through it?
What Exactly is CPTSD?
CPTSD is like PTSD’s more complicated cousin. Both are caused by trauma, but while PTSD is typically linked to a single traumatic event (think: a car accident or a natural disaster), CPTSD usually comes from ongoing, repeated trauma. That could be things like:
Living with abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual)
Ongoing neglect or abandonment
Chronic stress in toxic environments (like a war zone or abusive relationship)
Long-term emotional or psychological manipulation
In short, CPTSD happens when the trauma isn’t just a one-off event—it’s something that keeps affecting you over time.
How Does CPTSD Show Up?
CPTSD can show up in different ways, and sometimes it feels like the trauma is still right there with you, even years later. Some common signs include:
Feeling disconnected or numb: It’s like you’re going through life on autopilot, not really feeling or being present.
Flashbacks and intrusive thoughts: The trauma feels like it’s happening all over again, even when you don’t want it to. Flashbacks can pull you right back to that moment.
Difficulty trusting others: Because the trauma came from people you should’ve been able to trust, it can be hard to trust anyone again.
Emotional numbness: It may feel like you can’t connect to your emotions or like everything is muted.
Hypervigilance or anxiety: You’re always on edge, expecting something bad to happen, even if things are calm.
Struggling with self-esteem: Prolonged trauma can leave you feeling unworthy, not good enough, or stuck in negative self-talk.
These feelings are overwhelming, but it’s important to remember—they don’t define you. They’re a result of your experiences, and with the right support, you can work through them.
What Can You Do About It?
If you’re struggling with CPTSD, you’re not alone, and asking for help is the first step. Healing from CPTSD can take time, but it is possible. Here are a few things that might help you on your journey:
Therapy: Talking with a therapist who understands CPTSD can help you process what’s happened and begin to make sense of the emotional overwhelm. Trauma-informed therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or Somatic Therapy can be really effective in helping you process trauma.
Building a support system: You don’t have to do this on your own. Finding people who get it—whether that’s friends, family, or support groups—can help reduce that sense of isolation.
Self-care: It’s easy to neglect yourself when you're dealing with trauma, but self-care is crucial. Simple acts like going for a walk, journaling, or just resting can help you regain a sense of control.
Be gentle with yourself: Recovery isn’t a straight line, and it’s okay to have bad days. Healing is a process, not something you “get over.” Be patient with yourself—there will be setbacks, but that doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.
We’re Here to Help at Willow and Moss Counseling
If you think you might be dealing with CPTSD or just want to talk about it, we’re here for you. At Willow and Moss Counseling, we offer a compassionate and supportive space to begin your healing journey.
It’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to carry the weight of your trauma alone. Healing is possible, and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Willow & Moss Counseling – Compassionate Therapy in Cherokee & Cobb County, Serving Woodstock, Holly Springs, Canton, Kennesaw, and Marietta.
