CPTSD is not that common: some people within psychology don’t even agree that it’s a distinct diagnosis.

I’ve had PTSD since I was 10 due to a violent, childhood trauma. My abuser was a parent, and I couldn’t leave. I felt horrible fear daily, struggled to sleep for many years, and have lasting issues that I’m actively working against. Eventually, a therapist told me she believed I had CPTSD, so I spent time researching and learning about it. I was surprised it was a divisive subject (2019).

I don’t think adding the C does much. I’m not sure if the distinct diagnosis helps. Sometimes, it feels like people add the C to try and validate what they went through as harsher or warranting special care. Pain is pain, and I don’t like comparing pain in that way. Whether it’s one horrible incident, repeated incidents, or a pervasive atmosphere, everyone’s pain in their journey is valid.

BPD is another diagnosis that often gets used or combined with PTSD. In my experience, people suffering from BPD have a specific vibe that’s hard to describe (sorta like wanting relationships but often assuming poorly of others, due to trauma or imbalances). I was diagnosed with BPD at one point, but that didn’t hold water as I sought help.

Anyway…I guess I’m disappointed that it sometimes feels like people are collecting disorders or heightening them for clout or focus without understanding how that can devalue the meaning of the words. Whether you have PTSD, CPTSD, or BPD, it’s not Pokémon. Everyone’s experience is going to be unique, and classifying is there to help you identify treatment or communicate quickly with other humans. But, I don’t like when those classifications are used poorly either.