Develops after prolonged exposure to traumatic events or repeated instances of trauma.

Often associated with chronic and interpersonal trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect.

Symptoms like those of PTSD but also include difficulties in interpersonal relationships, emotional regulation, and others.

May involve a prevalent sense of emptiness, and significant impairment in daily functioning.

While both PTSD and C-PTSD involve responses to trauma, C-PTSD typically arises from more complex and prolonged traumatic experiences and often involves a broader range of symptoms.

Develops after typically experiencing a single, highly traumatic event.

Common triggers include combat, accidents, natural disasters, or violent assaults.

Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbing.

Typically characterized by re-experiencing, avoidance, negative alterations in mood and cognition, and increased arousal.

One of the most common symptoms I experience with C-PTSD is difficulty managing my emotions.

It doesn't mean I'm constantly falling apart; I'm as human as anyone else. However, living with C-PTSD means I often face a broader and more intense range of emotions like anger, fear, sadness, and guilt.

These emotions can be overwhelming and challenging to control & understand.

When the floodgates of intense emotions open,  they can be triggered by various things, from reminders of trauma to everyday stressors.

Sometimes, even seemingly harmless words or phrases can set off a chain reaction of feelings. This is especially challenging during dissociative episodes, where I feel detached from reality.

This emotional rollercoaster can lead to difficulties in daily life, particularly in maintaining relationships and dealing with the world that often doesn't understand C-PTSD.

Feeling angry or distrustful is not unusual for me,  even without a clear reason. I do care deeply about the world, advocating for equality and fairness.

But occasionally, my anger is directed not at the world in general, but at the environment where my trauma occurred. Smells can trigger negative memories and lead to traumatic responses.

Feelings of emptiness and hopelessness are also frequent companions.

I submit to these emotions, equally seeing them as part of my mission as a "goodwill ambassador for Mental Health."

While I sometimes feel like my life has been marred by trauma and struggle, to see hope, gratitude helps me pull through.

These emotions can also lead to depression and suicidal thoughts, although I've learned to navigate them without coercing myself into feeling differently.