What Is Complex PTSD (CPTSD)? Signs and Symptoms
Sometimes, you feel things you can’t explain.
Maybe you get overwhelmed for no clear reason.
Maybe you shut down the second someone raises their voice.
Or maybe you’re always on edge, waiting for something bad to happen, even when life looks totally fine on the outside.
If you’ve ever thought…
“Why do I feel this way all the time?”
“Why can’t I just relax?”
“Is something wrong with me?”
Please hear this: You're not broken.
You might be living with something called Complex PTSD (CPTSD).
What Is CPTSD?
CPTSD stands for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It’s what happens when you go through repeated emotional or psychological stress over a long time, especially when you're younger.
It doesn’t have to come from “something big.”
What Are the Causes of Complex PTSD?
CPTSD can come from things like:
Growing up in a home where you were constantly criticized or ignored
Being made to feel like your feelings didn’t matter
Living in fear of someone’s anger, mood, or silence
Being forced to grow up too fast
Staying in unhealthy relationships just to feel safe or accepted
It’s called “complex” because it builds over time, not just from one single event.
And most people with Complex PTSD have no idea they’re even dealing with it. They just think, “This is how I’ve always been.”
What Are the Signs of CPTSD?
How Do You Know If You’re Living With It?
Okay, let’s be honest! Sometimes, you just know something’s not right... even if you can’t explain it.
Maybe you’ve said to yourself:
“Why am I like this?”
“Why do I feel so tired, even when I’ve done nothing?”
“Why can’t I just feel normal for once?”
And maybe no one has ever told you this before, but…
You might be living with CPTSD - Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
It doesn’t always come with one big, clear trauma. It’s more like a slow burn, years of little things adding up. Moments where you didn’t feel safe. Where you had to push your feelings down. Where you had to grow up too fast.
If you’re wondering, “Could this be me?”, wait and take a look at the signs below. And check in with your body as you read them.
You Might Be Living With Complex PTSD (CPTSD) If…
You feel anxious or “on edge” most of the time, even when things are technically okay
You overthink everything. What you said, what you didn’t say, what they might be thinking
You freeze or shut down in conflict, or when too much is happening at once
You don’t really feel safe in your body. It’s like something’s always bracing inside
You avoid closeness, not because you don’t want love, but because it feels overwhelming or unsafe
You often feel numb, spaced out, or disconnected from your emotions
You try to make everyone around you happy, even when it leaves you completely drained
You carry this deep, heavy feeling that you’re not enough or that something’s just wrong with you
You struggle to truly rest. Even when everything’s quiet, your body won’t let go
If your shoulders just tensed… if your heart dropped… if something inside whispered “that’s me”
Please know that you’re not alone.
And most importantly!
These aren’t personality flaws. They’re nervous system responses (ways your body learned to protect you).
FAQs About CPTSD
1. What is the difference between PTSD and CPTSD?
PTSD often comes from one big traumatic event. CPTSD, or Complex PTSD, happens after many smaller or repeated traumas over time.
2. What are common symptoms of Complex PTSD (CPTSD)?
People with CPTSD may feel anxious, numb, or always on edge. They may struggle to trust others, shut down during conflict, or feel like they are “not enough.”
3. Can CPTSD be treated?
Yes. CPTSD can improve with therapy. Somatic therapy is one approach that helps the body and mind heal from trauma.
Ready to Begin Healing From CPTSD?
I offer trauma-informed therapy for Complex PTSD (CPTSD) in Plymouth, Northville, Canton, Novi, and Livonia. EMDR therapy is available to help you process trauma safely and move toward recovery.
Together, we’ll work at a pace that feels safe, helping you reconnect with your body, release stored trauma, and finally feel more at ease in daily life.
You don’t have to face this alone.