A lot of people don't know there's two fundamentally different types of PTSD and/or have heard the terms but don't understand the distinction being made. There's "standard" PTSD, which I'll call "simplex" PTSD, and "complex" PTSD, which you'll see written C-PTSD.

- Simplex ("normal") PTSD results from a sudden shocking life event, such as a car crash, robbery, house fire, job loss or unexpected death. It can happen to anyone at any point in their life. The recovery prospects are very good: most people feel much better after several months of safety and reassurance from their loved ones. However, without support, people can get stuck (being afraid for the rest of their life to drive because of a car crash, for example)

- Complex PTSD results from long-term slow-burn distress that can't be pinpointed to any one moment of absolute horror. For example, being raised by abusive parents who lash out over minor things, habitually bullied at school, or subjected to hateful religious indoctrination. C-PTSD mostly forms in children, who do not yet have the means or life experience to escape a toxic situation. It can form in previously untraumatized adults in extreme situations that can't be escaped, such as warfare, cults or a hostage situation (including an extremely controlling romantic partner). C-PTSD children grow up to be deeply distressed adults who blame themselves for being unable to function well.

Unfortunately, C-PTSD doesn't "simply" get better with a few months of support. That's why it's "complex". It fundamentally reshapes your mind to expect constant threat, punishment and misery. It takes years of patience, persistence, and determination to climb out of the pit others dug for you.

I hope this post has helped someone better understand themselves or a suffering loved one.