Do I Have C-PTSD? Understanding the Symptoms and Impact of Complex Trauma

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) is a form of trauma that develops after prolonged exposure to distressing or controlling environments. Unlike PTSD, which is typically caused by a single traumatic event, C-PTSD can develop over time due to repeated experiences such as childhood neglect, emotionally abusive relationships, or high-control religious environments.

Many people who have experienced religious trauma, authoritarian upbringings, or chronic emotional invalidation may recognize symptoms of C-PTSD in themselves. If you’ve ever wondered whether your experiences align with this form of trauma, this self-reflection tool can help you explore common symptoms.

A man in a black sweater sits on a brown leather sofa, covering his face with his hand. The mood is contemplative, background is dark.

Self-Reflection: Do You Experience Symptoms of C-PTSD?

Note: This self-reflection tool is designed to help you explore possible symptoms of C-PTSD. It is not a diagnostic tool but can be useful for identifying patterns in your experiences. If these resonate with you, consider reaching out to a trauma-informed therapist for further support.

Emotional Signs

Do you experience intense mood swings or difficulty managing emotions?
Do you often feel numb, detached, or disconnected from your emotions?
Do you struggle with self-worth, feeling broken, bad, or inherently unworthy?
Do you feel overwhelmed by guilt or shame, even when you haven’t done anything wrong?

Cognitive Signs

Do you have persistent negative thoughts about yourself or the world?
Do you experience intrusive memories, flashbacks, or distressing thoughts from past experiences?
Do you find it hard to trust yourself and your decisions, fearing you might do something wrong?
Do you struggle with black-and-white thinking, seeing things as either completely good or completely bad?

Physical & Nervous System Responses

Do you feel on edge, hyper-aware, or constantly scanning for danger (hypervigilance)?
Do you avoid certain people, places, or conversations because they remind you of past trauma?
Do you experience panic attacks, chronic anxiety, or unexplained physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, or body tension?
Do you have difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares?

Relational Struggles

Do you have difficulty forming close relationships or trusting others?
Do you struggle to set and maintain boundaries, especially in relationships?
Do you feel like you are stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns (e.g., people-pleasing, difficulty asserting yourself, or repeatedly attracting toxic relationships)?

Reflecting on Your Experience

If you identify with multiple symptoms, know that your feelings are valid and that you are not alone. Trauma affects everyone differently, and seeking support can help you process your experiences in a healthy way.

A trauma-informed therapist can help you navigate these feelings, develop coping strategies, and reclaim a sense of control over your life.

What Is C-PTSD?

C-PTSD is not a formal diagnosis in the DSM-5, but it is recognized by many trauma experts as a condition that develops after prolonged exposure to distressing or controlling environments. Unlike PTSD, which is often triggered by a single traumatic event, C-PTSD results from repeated, long-term trauma—such as an abusive childhood, a toxic relationship, or religious indoctrination that instills fear and control.

A woman sits curled up on a textured rug in a dimly lit room, silhouetted against a window with curtains. The mood appears contemplative.

Common Causes of C-PTSD:

Emotionally or physically abusive relationships (romantic, familial, or spiritual authority figures)
High-control religious environments that use fear, guilt, or shame to enforce obedience
Neglect or childhood trauma where emotional needs were not met
Growing up in a rigid, authoritarian household with little autonomy or personal choice
Long-term exposure to unpredictable or unsafe environments

Symptoms of C-PTSD That Overlap with Religious Trauma:

Emotional dysregulation (intense mood swings, difficulty managing emotions)
A negative self-image (feeling inherently bad, broken, or unworthy)
Dissociation or "spacing out" when triggered
Chronic hypervigilance (being constantly on edge or scanning for danger)
Avoidance of people, places, or topics that remind you of past trauma
Feelings of powerlessness or lack of control over your life
Difficulty feeling safe, even in neutral or non-threatening environments

Healing from C-PTSD

Recognizing C-PTSD is the first step toward healing. Because trauma is stored in the body, healing often involves nervous system regulation, self-compassion, and rebuilding a sense of agency. Therapy, particularly trauma-informed approaches like EMDR, somatic therapy, or ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), can be beneficial.

Steps Toward Healing:

Acknowledge and validate your experiences – Your feelings are real and worthy of attention.
Learn about trauma and nervous system regulation – Healing isn’t just about changing thoughts; it’s about retraining the body to feel safe.
Engage in self-compassion practices – Undoing shame-based conditioning takes time.
Find supportive communities – Whether through support groups, online spaces, or personal relationships, connection can be a powerful part of healing.

Smiling woman in a purple top sits in a field of tall grass, arms crossed on knees, bathed in warm sunlight. Blue sky backdrop. Serene mood.

Want to Learn More?

If your experiences align with C-PTSD symptoms, know that you are not alone. Healing from trauma is possible, and it does not mean rejecting your past—it means reclaiming your right to feel safe, empowered, and in control of your own life.

For more resources on trauma recovery, check out my Free Tools section for recommended books, resources, and worksheets to help you process and heal. If you're looking for personalized support, reach out to schedule a consultation call.

Schedule a Call

References

Anda, R. F., Felitti, V. J., Bremner, J. D., Walker, J. D., Whitfield, C., Perry, B. D., Dube, S. R., & Giles, W. H. (2006). The enduring effects of abuse and related adverse experiences in childhood: A convergence of evidence from neurobiology and epidemiology. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 256(3), 174-186. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-005-0624-4

Bremner, J. D. (2006). Traumatic stress: Effects on the brain. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 8(4), 445-461. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2006.8.4/jbremner

Cloitre, M., Garvert, D. W., Brewin, C. R., Bryant, R. A., & Maercker, A. (2014). Evidence for proposed ICD-11 PTSD and complex PTSD: A latent profile analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 5(1), 25097. https://doi.org/10.3402/ejpt.v5.25097

Forman-Hoffman, V., Cook Middleton, J., Feltner, C., Gaynes, B. N., Palmieri Weber, R., Bann, C., Viswanathan, M., & Lohr, K. N. (2018). Psychological and pharmacological treatments for adults with posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review update. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). https://doi.org/10.23970/AHRQEPCCER207

Winell, M. (2011). Religious trauma syndrome: It’s time to recognize it and treat it. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 14(9), 926-940. https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2011.605531