This week the Doctor added “severe” to the description of my Complex PTSD.  “Complex wasn’t enough. Now it’s severe. Diagnosis are hard because on one hand it is so relieving to know that somebody can articulate what is going on with you brain and emotions. On the other hand it’s terrifying because now you have a moniker you didn’t sign up with that carries frightening symptoms with it.

I am high functioning in my CPTSD illness. I have been really fortunate to have lived a really amazing life so far, with lots left to live. I have supportive family and friends. I continue to hope for and be thankful for good days. But, still description? This is my life.

• Complex PTSD is a very isolating, exhausting and devastating severe illness. It has been referred to as the psychiatric equivalent of cancer.
• It affects every part of your life, magnifying every problem intensely and affecting daily function.
• PTSD is a very severe, but normal reaction to severe abnormal trauma. But, there are days, weeks, when I feel so far from normal.
• Complex PTSD affects every relationship/friendship I have, with my husband, my children, my friends. People, have no idea the impact they cause when they hurt someone with Complex PTSD.
• Complex PTSD makes you never want to trust anyone, because every time you do, you get hurt and the cost is too high.
• Complex PTSD is a devastating, life threatening, exhausting, disabling, isolating, extremely painful severe psychiatric illness.
• Complex PTSD does not “get healed” or “go away”. However, with help a victim can learn to avoid triggers and learn to manage the symptoms.
• It does require specialized, professional therapy.