Understanding Complex PTSD (CPTSD): 7 Symptoms You Should Know
When most people hear the term PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), they think of symptoms tied to a single traumatic event—like a natural disaster, car accident, or combat. But trauma isn’t always a one-time event. For many, trauma happens repeatedly over time, often in childhood or within ongoing abusive relationships. This is where Complex PTSD (CPTSD) comes in.
CPTSD develops from chronic, prolonged trauma—especially when someone feels trapped or powerless to escape. It often arises in situations like ongoing childhood abuse, neglect, or prolonged exposure to emotional or physical violence. While PTSD and CPTSD share similarities, CPTSD has additional layers that affect not just the nervous system, but also a person’s self-identity, relationships, and sense of safety in the world.
Understanding these symptoms can be an important first step in recognizing what you or a loved one may be experiencing.
7 Common Symptoms of CPTSD
1. Emotional Dysregulation
People with CPTSD often struggle with intense, overwhelming emotions. You may notice strong waves of anger, fear, sadness, or shame that feel disproportionate to the moment. Sometimes these emotions seem to come out of nowhere, leaving you feeling out of control.
2. Negative Self-Concept
One hallmark of CPTSD is deeply rooted feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or shame. Survivors may internalize the message that they are “bad,” “unlovable,” or “broken,” even when these beliefs stem from abuse or neglect, not reality.
3. Difficulty in Relationships
CPTSD can make trust complicated. Some people withdraw and isolate, fearing rejection or betrayal. Others may become overly dependent or feel constantly on guard in relationships. This push-and-pull dynamic is exhausting and often reinforces feelings of being misunderstood or alone.
4. Dissociation and Detachment
Survivors may “zone out,” feel disconnected from their body, or experience memory gaps. Dissociation is the brain’s protective response to overwhelming trauma, but over time, it can leave you feeling fragmented and out of touch with yourself.
5. Hypervigilance and Anxiety
Living in a constant state of “fight-or-flight” is common with CPTSD. Everyday situations may feel dangerous, even when they are not. This can lead to chronic anxiety, insomnia, and physical tension that never seems to fully go away.
6. Intrusive Memories and Flashbacks
Like PTSD, CPTSD includes reliving past trauma through intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks. These experiences can feel as though the trauma is happening all over again, causing panic, fear, and confusion.
7. Feelings of Hopelessness or Despair
Because trauma can erode a person’s sense of safety and trust in the world, many with CPTSD feel hopeless about the future. They may struggle with depression, numbness, or the belief that things will never get better.
Moving Toward Healing
CPTSD is not a life sentence—it is a wound that can heal. With the right support, people begin to rebuild safety, reclaim their identity, and develop tools to manage symptoms. Evidence-based therapies like DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), trauma-focused CBT, and Antagonism Informed Treatment can help survivors gain relief and move toward a life that feels grounded, safe, and fulfilling.
If you recognize yourself in these symptoms, know that you are not alone—and that recovery is possible.
👉 If you’d like to explore therapy or learn more about healing from trauma, you can connect with me at melissawillardlmft.com or on Instagram @melissawillardlmft559.
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About the Author
Melissa Willard is a licensed marriage and family therapist providing virtual therapy to survivors of narcissistic abuse across California. With advanced training in multiple trauma-focused modalities, Melissa specializes in helping clients feel better, faster.
