Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD): The causes, symptoms and treatment

Complex PTSD (sometimes shortened to CPTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop if you have been through a single traumatic event or repeated traumatic experiences over a long period of time. It can have a significant impact on your life, affecting your sense of safety, how you view yourself, and your ability to trust other people. With the right help and support, people with complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can and do recover.

What is the difference between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

PTSD and Complex PTSD are similar mental health conditions, but there are some symptoms that are unique to Complex PTSD. Complex PTSD involves additional symptoms that can develop when trauma deeply affects how a person sees themselves. This may lead to feeling broken, worthless or disconnected from others. While CPTSD is a serious mental health condition, with the right services and support, recovery is possible.

Common signs of Complex PTSD:

• Memories or thoughts from upsetting experiences that can appear unexpectedly
• Trouble sleeping or having dreams about the past
• Avoiding certain situations or topics because they feel uncomfortable 
• Feeling anxious or emotionally drained 
• Strong mood swings, feeling angry, sad or feeling numb 
• Feeling self-critical or disconnected from yourself and others

You might find yourself overthinking simple interactions or doubting yourself in certain situations. Or you might feel overwhelmed by things that seem easy for other people, and this can make life more stressful and harder to manage. Sometimes you might pull away from people, or react more strongly than you meant to, and then feel frustrated with yourself afterwards. These are some of the patterns that can develop after long-term traumatic experiences. Recognising the impact that CPTSD can have on you can help you make the first steps towards finding the right kind of support you need. 

What kind of experiences can cause Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?

While Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can develop after a single overwhelming traumatic event, it is commonly linked to ongoing or repeated experiences over time. 

Ongoing or repeated harm (including repeated mistreatment)

Ongoing experiences, such as being treated unfairly over a period of time. It can look like being constantly criticised, ignored, or put down by someone you trusted. It can happen in your home, within your family dynamics, or in your friend circles. It can also happen online, like being repeatedly targeted in group chats, or receiving harsh comments and feeling pressure to keep up appearances. 

Emotional neglect 

Not receiving the support or guidance you needed from people you relied on. Feeling like no one noticed when you were struggling, or that your feelings didn’t matter. It might feel like your emotions have been ignored, which can make you doubt yourself. Over time, not being seen or supported in the way you need can affect how safe you feel opening up to others or asking for help.

Feeling unsupported or alone during tough times 

Going through difficult situations. For example, family conflict, mental health struggles, or personal challenges without anyone to talk to or be there for you. You might have felt like you had to keep things to yourself or just get on with things when it felt overwhelming. Going through these experiences can have a real impact on your mind, body and the relationships in your life. Recognising these patterns can help you take steps towards understanding what you have been through. 

Taking steps towards feeling safe again 

If you are recovering from Complex PTSD, it can take time. With the right help and support, you can slowly rebuild your sense of safety in different parts of your life. This can include learning to recognise things that may trigger you, practising grounding techniques, or finding people and spaces that make you feel safe.

Small steps can make a huge difference, whether it’s setting boundaries, returning to activities you enjoy or giving your mind a rest. Over time, these small actions can help you feel more in control and connected to yourself and others.

Getting Support 

When taking the steps to get support, Complex PTSD can still feel overwhelming, especially if it’s affecting your daily life. Talking to a professional or reaching out to someone you trust can make a real difference. Like any mental health condition, recovering from Complex PTSD often isn’t a linear process. It can come with wins and setbacks, but people can and do recover from Complex PTSD.  Professional support can help you to build a sense of safety in yourself,  your body and your relationships, which can help you feel more in control and connected again.

Support can include:

Therapy –  Approaches like trauma-focused CBT, EMDR or schema therapy can help process long-term stress.   Find out more about it here 

Peer Support –  Talking to people who understand  what you are going through or joining groups. 

Practical Strategies –  Journaling,  mindfulness, and self-care routines

Feeling overwhelmed and want to talk to someone?

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• Connect with a trained volunteer who will listen to you and help you to move forward feeling better
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