{"id":7033005,"date":"2026-08-08T03:10:13","date_gmt":"2026-08-08T03:10:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/complex-ptsd-cptsd-explained-everything-you-need-to-know\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T03:10:13","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T03:10:13","slug":"complex-ptsd-cptsd-explained-everything-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7033005","title":{"rendered":"Complex PTSD (cPTSD) Explained: Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p>When it comes to <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/trauma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trauma<\/a><\/span>, we all tend to think of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and why wouldn\u2019t we? But a lesser-known but equally valid form of <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/trauma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trauma<\/a><\/span> is complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD). But what is this lesser-known form of <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/trauma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trauma<\/a><\/span>, and how can we overcome it? Well, that\u2019s what this article is going to try to answer.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What-Is-cPTSD\"\/>What Is cPTSD?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p>Most of us are aware of PTSD, thanks to our exposure to the condition in the media, such as in war films or cop shows. So it\u2019s easy for us to think of <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/trauma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trauma<\/a><\/span> as being the result of a specific and distinct experience, like in the wake of an accident, a natural disaster, or being attacked (<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"#Sheldon\">Sheldon-Dean<\/a><\/span>, n.d.).<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p>cPTSD, on the other hand, arises from prolonged, repetitive, or inescapable <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/trauma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trauma<\/a><\/span>, such as interpersonal violence like childhood abuse (e.g. <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/teaching-children-about-bullying-for-better-mental-health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bullying<\/a><\/span>), <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/what-is-domestic-abuse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">domestic violence<\/a><\/span>, and torture. It is characterised by a constellation of symptoms that go beyond those of PTSD. Because of this subtle difference, cPTSD was proposed to capture this form of <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/trauma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trauma<\/a><\/span> (<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"#Resick\">Resick et al.<\/a><\/span>, 2012).<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p>According to <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"#Nestgaard\">Nestgaard R\u00f8d and Schmidt<\/a><\/span> (2021), cPTSD is a severe mental health condition that was formally introduced as a distinct diagnosis to PTSD in the revised <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ICD-11\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ICD-11<\/a><\/span> (the eleventh revision of the International Classification of Diseases) to fill that void next to PTSD.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p>However, cPTSD isn\u2019t recognised in the <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/DSM-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DSM-5<\/a><\/span> (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) as a separate mental health condition (<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"#Sheldon\">Sheldon-Dean<\/a><\/span>, n.d.), creating ongoing diagnostic divergence between the two major classification systems and cultures. For example, the UK, the US, and a handful of countries use the <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/DSM-5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DSM-5<\/a><\/span>. Whereas significantly more countries use the <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/ICD-11\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ICD-11<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p>There\u2019s even a link between cPTSD and borderline personality disorder (<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/what-is-the-misunderstood-connection-between-bpd-and-rage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BPD<\/a><\/span>). According to <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"#ford\">Ford and Courtois<\/a><\/span> (2021), cPTSD was, in part, defined and proposed as an alternative diagnosis to <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/what-is-the-misunderstood-connection-between-bpd-and-rage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BPD<\/a><\/span>. I\u2019ve often wondered over the years if I had cPTSD rather than <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/what-is-the-misunderstood-connection-between-bpd-and-rage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BPD<\/a><\/span> because of this fact.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p>However, the understanding now is that they\u2019re distinct conditions that overlap a lot (<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"#Salandanan\">Salandanan<\/a><\/span>, 2026). The key difference is that <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/what-is-the-misunderstood-connection-between-bpd-and-rage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BPD<\/a><\/span> can come from a mixture of places, including genetics and unstable caregiving or emotional invalidation (<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"#Pastorious\">Pastorious<\/a><\/span>, 2026) that doesn\u2019t reach the level of <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/trauma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trauma<\/a><\/span>. In short, uncaring and distant parents.<\/p>\n<p><h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Symptoms-of-cPTSD\"\/>Symptoms of cPTSD<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Emotional-dysregulation\"\/><strong>Emotional dysregulation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Someone with cPTSD might find they have intense emotions that can be difficult to manage, leading to mood swings, <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/anxiety\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">anxiety<\/a><\/span>, <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/depression\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">depression<\/a><\/span>, or feelings of <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/life-with-bpd-and-the-chronic-feelings-of-emptiness\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">emptiness<\/a><\/span>. This can also lead to intense outbursts, numbness, or emotional detachment.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Interpersonal-difficulties\"\/><strong>Interpersonal difficulties<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h4>\n<p>Another thing that someone with cPTSD can struggle with is forming and maintaining healthy relationships; they may develop trust issues, have difficulties with <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/promiscuity-and-self-esteem-what-you-need-to-know\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">intimacy<\/a><\/span>, and have problems with attachment.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p>The difference between cPTSD and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/what-is-the-misunderstood-connection-between-bpd-and-rage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BPD<\/a><\/span> in this regard is that someone with cPTSD is likely to avoid relationships, whereas someone with <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/what-is-the-misunderstood-connection-between-bpd-and-rage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BPD<\/a><\/span> will seek them out but fear losing them (<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"#Pastorious\">Pastorious<\/a><\/span>, 2026).<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Difficulty-with-emotional-processing\"\/><strong>Difficulty with emotional processing<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h4>\n<p>Those with cPTSD can experience difficulties in processing and integrating traumatic experiences, leading to <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/intrusive-thoughts\">intrusive thoughts<\/a><\/span>, nightmares, or flashbacks.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Negative-self-perception\"\/><strong>Negative self-perception<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h4>\n<p>cPTSD can also lead to feelings of <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/the-very-important-role-shame-can-play-in-our-mental-health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shame<\/a><\/span>, <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/a-few-imaginative-ways-to-tackle-your-unhealthy-guilt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">guilt<\/a><\/span>, worthlessness, and a distorted self-image due to the prolonged <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/trauma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trauma<\/a><\/span> experienced. Whereas someone with <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/what-is-the-misunderstood-connection-between-bpd-and-rage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BPD<\/a><\/span> will have an unstable self-perception, rather than a straight negative one (<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"#Pastorious\">Pastorious<\/a><\/span>, 2026).<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hypervigilance-and-avoidance\"\/><strong>Hypervigilance and avoidance<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h4>\n<p>With experiencing constant <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/trauma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trauma<\/a><\/span>, we can develop constant alertness, hypervigilance, or avoidance behaviours as a <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/coping-strategies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">coping mechanism<\/a><\/span> to prevent further <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/trauma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trauma<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dissociation\"\/><strong>Dissociation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h4>\n<p>Like with PTSD, people with cPTSD can experience detachment from reality or from their thoughts or emotions, often as a <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/coping-strategies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">coping mechanism<\/a><\/span> to escape overwhelming feelings.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p><strong>Somatic symptoms<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>For some with cPTSD, they can experience physical problems like chronic pain, fatigue, or digestive issues that may not have a clear medical explanation.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Causes-Of-cPTSD\"\/>Causes Of cPTSD<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p>cPTSD is typically caused by prolonged, repeated <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/trauma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trauma<\/a><\/span> that occurs during childhood, but it can also develop in adulthood as a result of <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/abuse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">domestic abuse<\/a><\/span> or <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/teaching-children-about-bullying-for-better-mental-health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bullying<\/a><\/span> in the workplace.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chronic-abuse\"\/><strong>Chronic abuse<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h4>\n<p>Prolonged physical, sexual, or emotional <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/abuse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">abuse<\/a><\/span> in the home or school can lead to the development of cPTSD.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Neglect\"\/><strong>Neglect<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h4>\n<p>People failing to provide for our basic needs when we\u2019re a child, such as not knowing if we\u2019ll have something to eat, lack shelter, lack clothing, or experience a lack of emotional support.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Exposure-to-violenceabuse\"\/><strong>Exposure to violence\/abuse<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h4>\n<p>Witnessing or experiencing violence in the home or community can also lead to cPTSD. This can include watching other people being <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/teaching-children-about-bullying-for-better-mental-health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bullied<\/a><\/span> at school, as it creates a sense of fear in a space that should be safe.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Living-in-a-war-zone\"\/><strong>Living in a war zone<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h4>\n<p>People, especially children who grow up in war zones, are often exposed to extreme violence, displacement, loss, and a general sense of instability and impending doom.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Overcoming-cPTSD\"\/>Overcoming cPTSD<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Breathing-and-grounding-exercises\"\/><strong>Breathing and grounding exercises<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/10-great-breathing-exercises-for-your-mental-wellbeing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Breathing<\/a><\/span> and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/grounding-techniques-a-selection-of-the-best-methods\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">grounding<\/a><\/span> exercises can help us regulate our mood, as well as help us when it comes to having a flashback and bringing ourselves back to the present moment. Something as simple as a textured object we can hold can fulfil the role of <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/grounding-techniques-a-selection-of-the-best-methods\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">grounding<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Triggers\"\/><strong>Triggers<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h4>\n<p>Getting to know our triggers can help us manage our cPTSD. For example, a specific location could be a trigger or a certain smell or date. When we know our triggers, we can formulate a plan to help manage them. However, for long-term recovery, avoidance should be avoided.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Avoidance\"\/><strong>Avoidance<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h4>\n<p>It can be easy to isolate ourselves as a result of having cPTSD. We may not go that far, but we may avoid areas associated with our <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/trauma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trauma<\/a><\/span>. The problem with the former is that isolation erodes our mental wellbeing further, and with the latter (both really), we\u2019re unintentionally reinforcing the <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/trauma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trauma<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p>A way to overcome this is to try out <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/exposure-therapy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">exposure therapy<\/a><\/span>, which we can do ourselves in the form of little experiments. This makes for a good <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/Journaling\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">journaling<\/a><\/span> exercise. Create a fear hierarchy by thinking about the situations that can trigger the response we\u2019re trying to avoid. Then order them from least to most triggering.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p>Working with the least triggering scenario, we can then develop little experiments to help us overcome our cPTSD. For example, if we experience a lot of discrimination and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/abuse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">abuse<\/a><\/span> in a former workplace, we could set up experiments like walking onto the grounds of the workplace for one minute.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p>For a more detailed guide on how to use <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/exposure-therapy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">exposure therapy<\/a><\/span>, you can find my article archive on <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/exposure-therapy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">exposure therapy<\/a><\/span> by clicking <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/exposure-therapy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a><\/span>, and my second edition exposure workbook by clicking <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.unwantedlife.me\/product\/exposure-therapy-workbook-2nd-ed\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium_large wp-image-17467\" src=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pin-Complex-PTSD-cPTSD-Explained-Everything-You-Need-to-Know-Trauma-Abuse-Unwanted-Life-400x600.png\" alt=\"The picture is split in two, with the top image being of a female paramedic sitting on the edge of their ambulance looking distraught. The bottom image being of a woman looking distraught as two men harass her. The two images are separated by the article title - Complex PTSD (cPTSD) Explained: Everything You Need to Know\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pin-Complex-PTSD-cPTSD-Explained-Everything-You-Need-to-Know-Trauma-Abuse-Unwanted-Life-400x600.png 400w, https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pin-Complex-PTSD-cPTSD-Explained-Everything-You-Need-to-Know-Trauma-Abuse-Unwanted-Life-333x500.png 333w, https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pin-Complex-PTSD-cPTSD-Explained-Everything-You-Need-to-Know-Trauma-Abuse-Unwanted-Life-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pin-Complex-PTSD-cPTSD-Explained-Everything-You-Need-to-Know-Trauma-Abuse-Unwanted-Life-100x150.png 100w, https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pin-Complex-PTSD-cPTSD-Explained-Everything-You-Need-to-Know-Trauma-Abuse-Unwanted-Life-233x350.png 233w, https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pin-Complex-PTSD-cPTSD-Explained-Everything-You-Need-to-Know-Trauma-Abuse-Unwanted-Life-300x450.png 300w, https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/pin-Complex-PTSD-cPTSD-Explained-Everything-You-Need-to-Know-Trauma-Abuse-Unwanted-Life.png 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\"\/><\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Thought-challenges\"\/>Thought challenges<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h4>\n<p>It can be useful to use techniques like <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/the-art-of-reframing-and-its-benefits-to-our-wellbeing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reframing<\/a><\/span>, <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/cognitive-reappraisal-the-ability-to-look-for-the-silver-lining\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cognitive reappraisal<\/a><\/span>, and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/the-benefits-of-the-thought-challenge-putting-thoughts-on-trial\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">putting our thoughts on trial<\/a><\/span> to help us tackle the unwanted <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/intrusive-thoughts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">intrusive thoughts<\/a><\/span> caused by our cPTSD. For example, using <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/the-art-of-reframing-and-its-benefits-to-our-wellbeing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reframing<\/a><\/span>, we can look for a neutral or positive alternative to the thought.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Social-support-network\"\/><strong>Social support network<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h4>\n<p>Talk to the people in our <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/the-importance-of-a-good-quality-social-support-network\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">social support network<\/a><\/span>, or expand our <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/the-importance-of-a-good-quality-social-support-network\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">social support network<\/a><\/span> by looking for peer support groups to attend. We all benefit from having <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/creating-a-safe-space-so-people-can-open-up\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">safe spaces<\/a><\/span> to open up.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Memories\"\/><strong>Memories<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h4>\n<p>Our memories of our <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/trauma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trauma<\/a><\/span> are often the most difficult part of having cPTSD. Unfortunately, the best way to tackle them is to stop avoiding these memories, as in extreme cases, this avoidance can lead to <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/addiction\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">substance dependency<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p>Processing our memories and turning them from hot memories into cold memories is the gold standard for this. This could be done through <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/Journaling\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">journaling<\/a><\/span> about our memories, using my modified narrative exposure therapy (<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/a-simplified-guide-to-narrative-exposure-therapy-net\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">M-NET<\/a><\/span>), talking to others about our experiences, or attending therapy to talk about it.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Therapy\"\/><strong>Therapy<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h4>\n<p>Treatment for cPTSD typically involves psychotherapy that has a focus on <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/trauma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trauma<\/a><\/span>, such as eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Eye_movement_desensitization_and_reprocessing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EMDR<\/a><\/span>) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). These therapies aim to address trauma-related symptoms, improve <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/coping-strategies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">coping mechanisms<\/a><\/span>, and help us rebuild a sense of safety and self-empowerment.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Self-compassion\"\/><strong>Self-compassion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h4>\n<p>As always, remember to treat ourselves with compassion when navigating any issues with our mental wellbeing. Overcoming cPTSD isn\u2019t going to be an easy road, so being <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/kindness\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">kind<\/a><\/span> to ourselves is an important part of our recovery journey if we don\u2019t want to give up.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary\"\/>Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p>Although most people are aware of PTSD, cPTSD does a better job of explaining and supporting those who have experienced <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/trauma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trauma<\/a><\/span> over a longer period of time. Whereas PTSD may happen after a single event, cPTSD is the result of prolonged exposure to <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/trauma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trauma<\/a><\/span>. In a lot of cPTSD cases, think of it like the last straw that broke the camel\u2019s back.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p>cPTSD can have a profound impact on our lives, affecting our daily functioning, relationships, and overall wellbeing. It can lead to social isolation, occupational difficulties, and even <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/self-harm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">self-harm<\/a><\/span> or <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/not-wanting-to-be-here-navigating-passive-suicidal-ideation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">suicidal thoughts<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p>Recovery from cPTSD is a gradual process, and it may take months or even years to see significant improvement. However, with the right treatment and support, most people with cPTSD can learn to manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p>After researching and writing this article, I think it\u2019s not an issue of whether I had cPTSD instead of <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/what-is-the-misunderstood-connection-between-bpd-and-rage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BPD<\/a><\/span>, but that they were co-occurring. Because that better explains my issues. <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/what-is-the-misunderstood-connection-between-bpd-and-rage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BPD<\/a><\/span> explains my attachment issues and my <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/identity-crisis-what-happens-when-our-identity-is-unstable\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">identity crisis<\/a><\/span> growing up, with the cause coming from neglect and lack of much-needed emotional support at home. I was emotionally unbalanced even at the age of four.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p>Whereas cPTSD explains the harm from <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/teaching-children-about-bullying-for-better-mental-health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bullying<\/a><\/span> and other abuse outside of the home, which eventually scarred my mind in my mid-teens.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p>As always, leave your feedback in the comments section below. Also, please share your experiences with cPTSD and <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/unwantedlife.me\/tag\/trauma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trauma<\/a><\/span> in the comments section below as well. Don\u2019t forget, if you want to stay up-to-date with my blog, you can sign up for my newsletter below. Alternatively, click the red bell icon in the bottom right corner to get push notifications for new articles.<\/p>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p>Lastly, if you\u2019d like to support my blog, please find the PayPal and Ko-fi donation payment options below. Until next time, <del>Un<\/del>wanted Life readers.<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"\/>References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"\/><\/h2>\n<h6>\u00a0<\/h6>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"Ford\">Ford, J. D. &amp; Courtois, C.A. (2021). Complex PTSD and borderline personality disorder. <em>Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulatio<\/em>n, 8:16. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/d-nb.info\/124089340X\/34\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#fe0101\" class=\"has-inline-color\">https:\/\/d-nb.info\/124089340X\/34<\/mark><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s40479-021-00155-9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#ff0101\" class=\"has-inline-color\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s40479-021-00155-9<\/mark><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"Nestgaard\">Nestgaard R\u00f8d, \u00c5., &amp; Schmidt, C. (2021). Complex PTSD: what is the clinical utility of the diagnosis?.\u00a0<em>European Journal of Psychotraumatology<\/em>,\u00a0<em>12<\/em>(1), 2002028. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/pdf\/10.1080\/20008198.2021.2002028\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#ff0000\" class=\"has-inline-color\">https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/pdf\/10.1080\/20008198.2021.2002028<\/mark><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"Pastorious\">Pastorious, C. (2026, June 22). CPTSD vs BPD: What\u2019s the Difference?. <em>Brightside<\/em>. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightside.com\/blog\/cptsd-vs-bpd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#ff0000\" class=\"has-inline-color\">https:\/\/www.brightside.com\/blog\/cptsd-vs-bpd<\/mark><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"Resick\">Resick, P. A., Bovin, M. J., Calloway, A. L., Dick, A. M., King, M. W., Mitchell, K. S., Suvak, M. K., Wells, S. Y., Stirman, S. W., &amp; Wolf, E. J. (2012). A critical evaluation of the complex PTSD literature: Implications for DSM\u20105. <em>Journal of Traumatic Stress<\/em>,\u00a0<em>25<\/em>(3), 241-251. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.emdr-magazine.nl\/2013-1\/2013-1-w11.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#ff0000\" class=\"has-inline-color\">https:\/\/www.emdr-magazine.nl\/2013-1\/2013-1-w11.pdf<\/mark><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"Sheldon\">Sheldon-Dean, H. (n.d.). What Is Complex Trauma?. <em>Child Mind Institute<\/em>. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/childmind.org\/article\/what-is-complex-trauma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#ff0000\" class=\"has-inline-color\">https:\/\/childmind.org\/article\/what-is-complex-trauma<\/mark><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"Salandanan\">Salandanan, K. (2026, June 3). How to recognize the overlap between complex trauma and BPD. <em>Crisis &amp; Trauma Resource Institute<\/em>. Retrieved from <a href=\"https:\/\/ctrinstitute.com\/blog\/overlap-between-complex-trauma-and-bpd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#ff0000\" class=\"has-inline-color\">https:\/\/ctrinstitute.com\/blog\/overlap-between-complex-trauma-and-bpd<\/mark><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to trauma, we all tend to think of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and why wouldn\u2019t we? But a lesser-known but equally valid form of trauma is complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD). But what is this lesser-known form of trauma, and how can we overcome it? Well, that\u2019s what this article is going [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7033006,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[99852,117918,98079,120213,96877,99547,97455,110641,104269,114852],"tags":[111932,5449,196345,11385,15382,19585,14368,114853],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-7033005","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advice","category-bpd","category-general","category-me","category-mental-health","category-research","category-therapy","category-trauma","category-treatment","category-what-is","tag-bpd","tag-complex","tag-cptsd","tag-explained","tag-ptsd","tag-trauma","tag-treatment","tag-what-is"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Complex PTSD (cPTSD) Explained: Everything You Need to Know - Som2ny Network<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7033005\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Complex PTSD (cPTSD) Explained: Everything You Need to Know - Som2ny Network\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"When it comes to trauma, we all tend to think of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and why wouldn\u2019t we? 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Som2ny Network","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7033005","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Complex PTSD (cPTSD) Explained: Everything You Need to Know - Som2ny Network","og_description":"When it comes to trauma, we all tend to think of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and why wouldn\u2019t we? But a lesser-known but equally valid form of trauma is complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD). But what is this lesser-known form of trauma, and how can we overcome it? 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