Although Complex PTSD is not a recognized diagnosis by the Diagnostical and Statistical Manual (current version DSM-V), it is a condition that is often seen in clinical practice.
Perhaps you knew your childhood experiences were less than ideal and perhaps you are willing to say, at least to yourself, that they were abusive. Perhaps you’re very forthright, clear and able to validate this for yourself. Perhaps your exposure to violence, abuse, etc. took place later in your life and you have been coping relatively well.
As COVIDs impact to daily life continues, you may have noticed that your functioning has changed. Perhaps your emotional state is more dysregulated and you’re feeling more intense fear, shame and/or hopelessness. Your experiences are valid, you are not alone, and it makes sense that it is happening. Please reach out for help; your body is trying to keep you safe and you may need support in teaching it how to be helpful and manage these feelings in a more useful way.
For further discussion on the clinical presentation of CPTSD, please visit ACEsConnection: