Is it PTSD, CPTSD Or Am I Just Broken?

Summary: Do you struggle with anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or relationship challenges, yet can’t pinpoint a single traumatic event? You may be living with Complex PTSD (CPTSD), a condition caused by long-term trauma that is often misunderstood.

Ever feel like you’re carrying a weight you can’t quite name? Maybe anxiety shows up like an uninvited guest, relationships feel harder than they should, or emotions swing between too much and nothing at all. And yet, when you try to trace it back, there’s no single, clear moment of trauma. That’s the puzzle of Complex PTSD (CPTSD)—a condition that’s often misunderstood, misdiagnosed–and easily dismissed.

We tend to think of PTSD as the result of a big, catastrophic event—combat, assault, a life-threatening accident. And while that’s certainly true for many, CPTSD tells a different story. It forms over time, through repeated stress or harm—chronic emotional neglect, ongoing workplace trauma, the relentless pressure of high-stakes professions, or feeling unseen and unheard in relationships that should have been safe. Instead of one defining moment, it’s a pattern, woven so deeply into your experience that it can feel like "just the way things are."

And because it doesn’t fit the classic PTSD mold, CPTSD often goes unrecognized. Instead, people are misdiagnosed with depression, anxiety, or personality disorders—treating the symptoms while the deeper wounds remain unaddressed. The signs? Chronic anxiety, emotional numbness, difficulty trusting or connecting with others, a deep sense of shame or unworthiness, and a nervous system that never quite feels at rest.

Recognizing the difference between PTSD and CPTSD matters, because healing looks different too. If this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone—and that recovery isn’t about “getting over it” but about learning how to feel safe, seen, and whole again. The first step is awareness. From there, real support and change are possible.

Both conditions share overlapping symptoms, including:

Both disrupt daily life and can significantly impact relationships, work, and personal well-being.

Unlike PTSD, which is widely linked to a single event, CPTSD can be overlooked because its causes—such as failed parental attachment, toxic work cultures, or financial instability—are not always recognized as ‘trauma’ in mainstream discussions.

Since CPTSD involves more complex emotional and relational challenges, treatment should go beyond symptom management:

Many individuals live with unexplained anxiety, depression, or emotional exhaustion without realizing they are experiencing CPTSD. This is especially true for those in caregiving or law enforcement roles, where trauma is absorbed daily, or individuals with early childhood emotional neglect that was never recognized as a source of distress.

Without a proper diagnosis, people often receive treatments that don’t fully address their condition. Acknowledging CPTSD as a distinct disorder allows for more targeted interventions, deeper healing, and a greater sense of self-compassion.

Understanding PTSD and CPTSD is the first step toward getting the right kind of support. If this post resonates with you, explore more about trauma, mental health, and healing:

Healing from trauma is an ongoing process, unique to each person. It is a journey, not a destination.