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Hi all, thanks for all these responses and the support!

I followed the link and read this info sheet, it's really helpful and I think I will use it when I go for an assessment with the therapist and the psychiatrist: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/56983ac169492ecf0c7dc1c7/t/580e955b2e69cf6ad1451a20/1477350747751/Complex+PTSD+as+a+Diagnosis.pdf

I'm in the U.S. and I'm a graduate student so I have health insurance through my school. I already have a referral for both a therapist and a psychiatrist and they gave me a list of referrals in my network for both. So now I have to comb through and call and make appointments. When I made the call for a referral, I had a friend with me who is also diagnosed with a mental illness (not C-PTSD) but he knows what it's like to navigate mental health services so it was SO helpful to have his moral support when I made the call!

Can a therapist diagnose C-PTSD or only a psychiatrist? I don't have a diagnosis for depression or anxiety but I think I have both, as well. Since I've fallen behind in my graduate work, I need some kind of diagnosis in order to access accommodations for students with disabilities at my school.

Oh, and I also just got the C-PTSD Workbook in the mail today and I'm excited to look through it...although, again, healing is really hard work and I do feel nervous about it. But, just knowing that this diagnosis exists is a BIG relief for me, it gives a name to what I have suffered my entire life and I feel hopeful that there are many brain-mind-body treatments available.

Thanks again everyone!!

Hi everyone!! Thanks for the welcome and the supportive words!!

Right now, I'm working up the courage to call and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist with works with adults who were traumatized as children, or a psychiatrist who is informed about C-PTSD. I feel REALLY anxious about it. I definitely need help in order to help me manage my constant fear of overwhelming and paralyzing emotions...which, for me, includes making this call in the first place lol!

Why is it so hard for me to even take that first step and ask for concrete help for my mental and physical health? Ughh...I know healing is a long and non-linear process but now that I'm informed about C-PTSD, my journey looks a little clearer.

Hello all,

I am a 31 year old woman and I just finished reading The Body Keeps the Score and it blew my mind! I just ordered a C-PTSD workbook and I can't wait. So many "a-ha THAT'S why!" moments, I can't even wrap my mind around everything yet.

I never knew that a term like this existed for childhood trauma, abuse, and neglect and that there are many evidenced-based treatment. Although I carry so much hurt and pain from my past, along with depression and anxiety, I now know that there is a name for what I have experienced and that there are many options to help heal me.

Looking forward to participating in this online space and share!

Hi everyone,

It's such a pleasure to find this site!

I began reading The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk about two weeks ago and it opened my eyes to the devastating effects of childhood trauma, which I still experience today as a 31 year old woman in many different ways.

I am simply blown away that this is a diagnosis with many kinds of evidence-based treatments. Throughout my life, I thought I was just depressed and anxious, but now I am learning so much about myself and what childhood trauma has done to my brain, mind, and body. I just assumed that PTSD happened to "other" people who experienced a singular traumatic event that they could pin-point to one event, but not me, you know? But in reality, a long period of childhood trauma and abuse produces similar outcomes.

Now, I am focusing on learning more about C-PTSD and treatments. I ordered a C-PTSD workbook that will come in the mail and I have committed to a yoga practice. I have avoided talk therapy for many years but I think my next steps, in terms of mental and physical health, are to ask for trauma-informed treatments, including a trauma-informed therapist.

I'm really happy this space exists and to know that I'm not alone!

Many hugs to all