Recent and unexpected cPTSD diagnosis

Hi @AmberSpice

It sounds like you're processing so much at the moment, especially as your understanding of your childhood and your parents continues to shift. It makes sense that there would be a lot of grief and anger alongside this new understanding, and I'm glad you've been able to make space for your own needs after spending so many years caring for your mum.

I was really touched by what you shared about becoming the safe space you always needed as a child. You deserved that safety and protection back then, and I'm glad you're finding ways to offer yourself that care now. I can hear how painful it is to look back and grieve what you needed and what you feel you couldn't give your own child. I hope you can offer yourself compassion as you work through this too. You were navigating your own experiences with the understanding and resources you had at the time. I'm glad you've found your way here, and I hope connecting with others who understand helps you feel a little less alone 💛

Hi@AmberSpice

I hear and feel what you are saying. I too was diagnosed late at 42 with Cptsd. I am glad you have been able to work towards your healing. It definitely is not an easy process. It is a long and gradual process. I too feel rage at times. I feel rage because of the Cptsd it has held me back from doing things like affecting my function and ability. I hope you find peace.

Hi @AmberSpice I was also diagnosed at 40 something with CPTSD and probable Autism (I can't be stuffed with the official tests)

CPTSD was only added to the ICD11 in 2018 so it wasn't an option prior to that. It's still not in the DSM

Hi@DogMan79

Sometimes I think it needs to be placed as an actual psychological injury not a disorder.

Fully agree @DogMan79. I prefer PTSI - you can heal from an injury. It's not "what's wrong with you?", rather "what happened to you?".

I also recently just started getting therapy for cptsd at 34. I am attempting to set boundaries with my abusive family. I am isolated and feel really vulnerable, and would love to find peer support.

Hey @lorpheline

Firstly, I would like to give you a warm welcome to the forums! I hope you find this to be a welcoming and supportive space.

It sounds like you are taking some really great steps for yourself in accessing therapy for your CPTSD, working to set boundaries with your abusive family, and coming to the community here for some peer support and a space to connect with others!

Since it is a bit later, there might not be as many members around as during the day, but please know that you're not sitting with this alone!

hi @lorpheline it is very sensitive sharing about cptsd. i can't really speak openly abot what happened to me but i havent been able to find ppl who understand very well.

Hey @lorpheline. It can be so hard to find support. I joined recovery club on here and have made a 1:1 appointment to speak to someone through there. I based it on talking about grief as my request as that is mainly what I'm going through atm. The loss that has come from not having safe parents has been hard to process so I am going to see what the person I connected with will share. I also requested peer support as I want to hear their story as well.