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Talking through trauma and PTSD
Talking through trauma and PTSD

How Much Suffering Is ‘Normal’ With CPTSD?

SaltwaterSoul Senior Contributor

How Much Suffering Is ‘Normal’ With CPTSD?

Hello everyone,

I am just wondering how much suffering is considered normal with CPTSD? I have been diagnosed with severe CPTSD, and it was confirmed that I experience symptoms across all criteria at a very high level, but I’m currently not on any specific medication for it. I know medication is not always the answer, and I’m a big believer in therapy and more natural approaches to healing, but lately I’ve been wondering if I might need some additional support as well...

I’m going back to my GP in July to access more therapy sessions, and I’ve been thinking about whether I should bring this up. I get really anxious going to my gp due to my really bad white coat syndrome, which my GP is aware of, so even just the thought of going makes me feel sick. I find it incredibly hard to ask for help due to my past and part of me keeps thinking I should be okay since I’ve managed to keep going this whole time.

The first time I ever spoke to my GP about mental health, my husband came with me and helped me explain things because I could barely speak. That was before I started therapy, when things were really bad. I was given temporary medication then to help me sleep. It’s not technically a sleep medication, but more something to help calm me down before bed. I still take it, and it has honestly been a great aid. But even with that, I still find myself struggling a lot. I still haven’t actually told my GP that I got diagnosed with CPTSD because I get so stressed talking about it, but I’ve been thinking about bringing the paperwork from my clinic with me to help explain things or ask if my husband could come along again.. I don’t know… right now it just feels impossible and scary. I know my trauma is real and the pain is real, but I keep wondering how much pain is considered “normal” for someone like me to feel. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 🙏 Thank you. Also just wanted to say I am safe, just need in support. 


2 replies

In response to: How Much Suffering Is ‘Normal’ With CPTSD?

D4Dolphin Moderator

Re: How Much Suffering Is ‘Normal’ With CPTSD?

Thank you, @SaltwaterSoul, for sharing your experience and letting us know what’s on your mind. It’s courageous of you to bring these thoughts and feelings to this place – particularly if find it hard to ask for help. We are here with you.

You ask a big question. I’m guessing that a practical benchmark will be hard to find. You’re probably familiar with the old adage that the individual is the expert in their own experience of mental health issues. So how you experience CPTSD will be difficult to compare.

The important thing is that you acknowledge your own suffering and recognise that asking for support is the right thing to do – in whatever way you feel is right for you.

You have identified a promising way forward – talking to your GP – so if you can summon the resolve to confront the white coat syndrome and share that paperwork with your GP, you’ll have taken a brave step forward in your quest to find a way through the suffering. Even if the GP can’t wave a magic wand (and let’s face it, that’s unlikely!) these forward steps are taking you on a positive path.

Breathe deep.

Stay strong.

In response to: How Much Suffering Is ‘Normal’ With CPTSD?

TheoBromine Casual Contributor

Re: How Much Suffering Is ‘Normal’ With CPTSD?

Hi @SaltwaterSoul, I am sorry to hear that things have not been good for you.

I also have CPTSD and I often wonder if I am "normal" for someone with CPTSD.

As you know, however, there is no "normal" for anything. Everything is a spectrum.

You may also know, there is no specific medication for CPTSD and many people have been prescribed some kind of antidepressant.

I think it's pretty common that people with trauma, especially childhood trauma, find it difficult to ask for help, and many never do so.

If you have seen the therapist under a Mental Health Care Plan by that GP, you're GP should be aware of the diagnosis, but it sounds like a good idea to take the paperwork with you to your GP.

I don't know if any of that is helpful, but you are not the only person who has questions.

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