Diagnosis?

Go to GP and tell them you are having past traumas affecting your daily quality of life. They'll refer you to a psychiatrist/psychologist who can conduct the appropriate screen test for Cptsd and advise on what treatment/therapy modality would be suitable to help you.

Good luck, the effects of CPTSD can be so frustrating to overcome.

@Tom22

"My childhood consisted of all sorts of abuse". I'd say you're more than likely to have at least PTSD if it is still affecting you today, if not CPTSD.

GP is your first stop. As @NoWayBack said, they'll give you a referral to a psychiatrist for diagnosis.

I've had it all my life, I thought I was just depressed but I only recently got diagnosis at age 50. To say that it has impacted literally every aspect of my life is an understatement. I never even heard of it until my first psychologist told me she suspected I had it. Everything that has happened in my life started making sense once I began researching it and looking into effects of it, how it shapes you, relationships, behaviours, etc... It was a hard pill to swallow at first. But now I'm under a psychologist doing EMDR treatment for it and directly addressing those trauma's.

The hardest part is talking to someone about it. But you reaching out here is a great first step.

Good luck.

Hi @Tom22

You mentioned a childhood of all sorts of abuse.

I'm sorry to hear this, I know how difficult childhood abuse can make life and managing adulthood.

Traumatic early childhood experiences are a likely cause of PTSD and CPTSD, which in adulthood can interfere with daily functioning, relationships and lead to mental health issues.

As already mentioned, your GP is the starting point to seeking diagnosis, treatment and referral to a psychologist or counsellor.

A psychologist/counsellor will help you understand what is happening and develop ways of managing your reactions, build tolerance levels and develop emotional regulation skills.

There are also alternative practices that treat C/PTSD, some of which I have found to be incredibly effective, including, Tension & Trauma Release Exercises TRE, Hakomi, EMDR and Trauma-informed yoga.

I use an holistic approach of psychotherapies and alternative treatments for my C/PTSD which has helped me with my attachment wounds and developmental trauma.

I hope you find the support and treatment that works for you as you begin the process of healing.

Kindly Alisse