2025/9/13 Edited to

... Read moreComplex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) often presents with a unique set of symptoms that can feel overwhelming but are important to recognize for effective coping and healing. Among these are a heightened startle reflex, likened here humorously to a "startle reflex of a squirrel on Red Bull," which reflects an increased sensitivity to sudden stimuli. Emotional flashbacks, or "invisible time travel," refer to reliving past traumatic events emotionally without a conscious memory cue, causing distress that can feel sudden and intense. Individuals with CPTSD often struggle with self-worth issues that are not their own, meaning these feelings stem from past experiences rather than their true identity. Hyper-independence, the urge to handle everything alone even "if you're on fire," can result from mistrust or fear of vulnerability, making it difficult to seek or accept support. Despite these challenges, many people with CPTSD develop deep compassion and a keen understanding of emotional patterns, sometimes becoming adept at navigating their feelings with humor and insight. Recognizing these symptoms is essential for both those experiencing CPTSD and their support networks. Treatment options, including trauma-informed therapy and mindfulness practices, can help manage symptoms and build resilience. This battle unicorn analogy encourages seeing oneself as a unique and powerful survivor, capable of growth and change despite the hardships faced. Sharing these experiences in communities can reduce stigma and promote healing by fostering connection and understanding.

Related posts

GIRLS 🤝PUSH-UPS
Can’t do a push-up? Say less. Let me introduce you to ~Eccentric pushups~ Start from plank position or start on your knees and lower all the way to the ground as SLOW as you can possibly go. ‼️THESE SHOULDN’T BE EASY‼️ Try this drill 2-3 times per week and you’ll be doing pushups in no time!!
Ellie | NASM CPT

Ellie | NASM CPT

7051 likes

🚩 Do you recognize these signs of CPTSD (Complex PTSD)?
CPTSD is not just “regular PTSD.” It develops after long-term trauma like narcissistic abuse, emotional abuse, or childhood neglect. And the impacts go far beyond flashbacks. ✨ Common signs of CPTSD include: ➡️ Emotional flashbacks (sudden waves of shame, fear, or despair) ➡️ Hypervigilance (a
Nina Batista

Nina Batista

756 likes

CPT Coding
Here is a practice CPT coding question question. It shows how to find the CPT code for an abdominal biopsy. The CPT book has all of the different procedure codes in it. At least one CPT code must be on every claim that you submit to the insurance company. #medicalbiller #medicalcoder #medicalc
midnightcoding

midnightcoding

895 likes

CPT: Why Consider This Profession?
💡 Tag a friend who’s preparing, or save this for later! - Ready to pass your CNA, CCMA, or CPT exam on the first try? Follow @anchoredinhealthcare for tutoring, comprehensive study guides, and real-world strategies to help you succeed. - #cna #phlebotomy #medicalassistant #cl
anchoredinhealthcare

anchoredinhealthcare

1282 likes

A person in a polka-dot dress stands by a lake with hot air balloons in the sky. Overlay text asks, "WHAT IS CPTSD? COMPLEX POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER."
Hot air balloons float above parked cars. Text defines CPTSD as resulting from chronic trauma, citing examples like long-term physical/mental abuse and domestic violence.
A person walks on a street with houses and trees. Overlay text lists 10 symptoms of CPTSD, including identity issues, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, and nightmares.
What is CPTSD? ✿
What is post traumatic stress disorder? CPTSD happens when an individual experiences chronic trauma. Symptoms of CPTSD can be difficulty with your sense of self and your identity. Chronic issues with emotional regulation and anxiety. You may also experience difficulties in your relationships and c
jennifer 🍒

jennifer 🍒

43 likes

the KEYS to glute growth🍑 - from a cpt
Let’s take it back to the basics ~ the KEYS to glute growth… if you’re not seeing progress, these are the reasons👏🏼👀 NUTRITION: this is the no.1 culprit to lack of growth in most cases… your muscles NEED fuel to grow PROPER TRAINING: stick to a routine (a good one) BE PATIENT & CO
BUILT BY LINDS

BUILT BY LINDS

1565 likes

A sketch illustrating the internal experience of CPTSD, featuring a figure made of many arms and hands, with a scribbled, chaotic body, in a crouched position. The text "I have CPTSD What does that mean?" is overlaid, reflecting the article's theme of understanding complex trauma.
I have CPTSD what does that mean?
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is a condition that can develop after experiencing prolonged or repeated trauma, often stemming from childhood abuse, neglect, or other traumatic events. Unlike traditional PTSD, which typically results from a single traumatic incident, CPTSD arises fr
Echo

Echo

351 likes

A black and white image of a daisy-like flower with the title text: 'Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Mother (with ADHD, Autism & CPTSD)'.
A black and white image of a shadowy figure standing in a foggy forest, illustrating the text: 'That being touched all day could make my nervous system feel physically painful'.
A steaming cup of tea on a wooden surface, accompanying the text: 'That I could love my children deeply... and still become overstimulated by constant noise'.
Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Mother(with ADHD, Autism & CPTSD)
Motherhood with ADHD, autism, and CPTSD can feel like loving your kids with your entire soul, while your nervous system quietly overloading in the background. There’s so much grief, overstimulation, beauty, guilt, tenderness, rage, softness, exhaustion, healing, and sensory overwhelm wrapped to
Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

4 likes

What I actually do as a meditation teacher with ADHD, OCD, & CPTSD 🧚
POV: you thought meditation meant becoming a peaceful, silent forest fairy 🧚‍♀️ but actually you’re just a slightly overstimulated human trying not to spiral in 6 directions at once 🫣 I teach meditation for ghouls who 👻 – overthink everything – feel “too aware” for traditional therapy – have
Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

11 likes

A steaming white mug on a cozy patterned blanket with red berries and a dried leaf, featuring the title "Things I Wish I Knew Before My CPTSD Diagnosis."
A glass teapot and cup with lemon water on a wooden table, with a person reading a book in the blurred background, illustrating "Hyper-independence can be a trauma response."
A shrouded figure stands in a dark, misty forest with glowing lights, visually representing the heavy feeling of "Constant guilt isn't normal."
Things I Wish I Knew Before My CPTSD Diagnosis
Before my CPTSD diagnosis, I thought I was “too much.” Too emotional. Too reactive. Too sensitive. Too exhausted. That’s because survival mode changes people. A nervous system that’s been through chronic stress learns to stay alert, brace for impact, over-explain, overthink, over-give, and apol
Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

3 likes

MY TOP GLUTE GROWTH WORKOUTS - cpt 🍑
some of the BEST exercises to do for glute growth 🍑👀 you want to make sure you’re working ALL of the glute muscles ~ maximus: largest & makes up the fullness & most mass medius: 2nd, makes up more of the shelf (in addition to the upper glute max division) minimus: deep to medius &
BUILT BY LINDS

BUILT BY LINDS

7258 likes

Lock in with the gym sis. It’s time 💜💪🏽
Lock in with the gym sis. It’s time 💜💪🏽 Remember, you said you wanted to be FINE this Summer☀️😝 #Fitness #fitspo
Sky | CPT

Sky | CPT

19 likes

What I’ve Been Eating to Lose Fat😋
I hate boring foods, so instead of restricting myself, I just eat smarter. What that looks like to me is making smarter swaps, eating less of certain things, and of being more creative in the kitchen. Note: This is what works for ME & helps me be more successful when it comes to my nutritio
Sky | CPT

Sky | CPT

3913 likes

A woman with long, wavy hair, wearing a pink top and brown pants, walks away on a white bridge in a sunny park. Overlay text asks, 'Why'd you go silent during our argument?', relating to BPD and CPTSD triggers.
Text explains that individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and PTSD may go silent during arguments due to overwhelming emotions, panic, avoiding punishment, self-preservation, or Quiet BPD, detailing emotional overload and internalization of feelings.
Further text details reasons for silence in BPD/PTSD, including fear of negative consequences, self-preservation (freeze response), fear of abandonment, and the complex interplay of comorbid BPD and PTSD conditions, mentioning trauma-related triggers.
BPD & CPTSD Triggers
Borderline personality disorder and CPTSD can go into remission. The work starts inside, but you cannot heal in a house that broke you. #bpd #cptsd #trauma
Nakaa 🩵

Nakaa 🩵

13 likes

Things Mindfulness Helped Me Realize AuDHD + cPTSD Edition
Mindfulness helped me realize I wasn’t “bad at relaxing.” My nervous system just learned that stillness wasn’t safe yet. 💌🕯️ So many things I judged myself for were actually survival responses🪦 bracing, overexplaining, dissociating, treating urgency like danger, and struggling to rest witho
Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

1 like

A person in a gym performs a barbell squat, with text overlaying the image that reads "SWIPE 4 Weeks of Fit Routine / Meal Plan / Grocery List." The bottom left corner includes "lemon8 @skyfitxx_".
A weekly meal plan grid from @Skyfitxx, detailing breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack options for each day from Monday to Sunday, featuring various healthy food combinations.
A comprehensive grocery list categorized into Protein, Dairy & Eggs, Nuts & Seeds, Canned/Jar Goods, Baking/Cooking Essentials, Fruits & Vegetables, and Grains, listing specific ingredients for a healthy diet.
My 4-Week Shred & Meal Plan + Grocery List
Embarking on a fitness journey? I've got you covered with my latest post, where I share a comprehensive fitness plan alongside a nutritious meal plan, complete with a detailed grocery list. This guide is tailored to cater to both fitness enthusiasts and beginners. It's not just about follow
Sky | CPT

Sky | CPT

6623 likes

A woman in athletic wear takes a mirror selfie in a gym, with text overlay indicating a routine for new weightlifters. A neon Batman logo is visible on the wall.
A woman performs a cable kickback exercise in a gym. Text lists leg day exercises: abductions, hip thrusts, RDLs, sumo squats, reverse lunges, and cable kickbacks.
A woman performs a bent-over row with dumbbells in a gym. Text lists back and arms exercises: lat pulldowns, SA rows, face pulls, rear delt fly, bicep curls, and overhead tricep extensions.
beginner workout routine from a CPT
4-8 week dumbbell only and gym programs available on my site 🤝🏼
caitie June

caitie June

24 likes

ADHD + Autism + CPTSD Together Looks Like…
ADHD. Autism. CPTSD. Sometimes it feels like one part of you needs stimulation, one part needs predictability, and one part is scanning the room for danger. It can look like burnout disguised as laziness. Hypervigilance disguised as overthinking. Masking disguised as “being good with pe
Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

5 likes

Perfect Your RDL Form | Tips/Cues From A CPT
Let’s be real, RDLs are not an easy skill to nail down and nobody has 100% perfect form for every lift. BUT we can always work on getting better and learning new things to help us get as close as possible! Below are a few tips/cues that I’ve found throughout my lifting journey, certification, an
Erika Quarles

Erika Quarles

243 likes

Nobody Talks About ADHD + Autism + CPTSD Enough
A lot of late-diagnosed neurodivergent people grew up believing they were “too much” and “not enough” at the exact same time. Too sensitive. Too emotional. Too intense. Too quiet. Too forgetful. Too reactive. Too different. But nobody talks enough about what happens when ADHD, autism, and t
Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

7 likes

CPTSD
A book about the struggles of CPTSD and pulling through to find your identity #psychologistchild #cptsd #booksthatchangedmylife #poetrycommunity #poetrybooks
Rhiannon Janae

Rhiannon Janae

189 likes

CPT STEPS
Anyone taking the medical billing and coding class ? HERE STEAL MY NOTES 🫶🏾 THEY ARE HERE FOR YOU WHEN STUDYING FOR THE EXAM 👏🏾 #medicalcodingstudent #medicalstudent #studynotes #cheatsheet #letschat
Shanel red

Shanel red

69 likes

CPTSD and Development
It’s a lot to deal with, but I know you can get through, friend ❤️‍🩹 #furry #furryfandom #littlealphapup #mentalhealth #cptsd
Little Alpha Pup (Milo)

Little Alpha Pup (Milo)

101 likes

Things That Feel Weirdly Personal to AuDHD + CPTSD
A lot of late-diagnosed neurodivergent people spent years believing they were lazy, dramatic, difficult, too sensitive, antisocial, irresponsible, or broken… when they were actually navigating an unsupported nervous system the entire time. Which one hit you the hardest? 💌🕯️✨🧚 #audhd #cptsd
Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

2 likes

CPTSD
A poetry book that talks about Cptsd, grief, death, and rebuilding yourself #griefpoetry #poetrymeplease #reading poetry is my therapy #cptsd #healingthroughpoetry
Rhiannon Janae

Rhiannon Janae

1870 likes

beginner workout routine from a CPT
4-8 week dumbbell only and gym programs available on my site 🤝🏼
caitie June

caitie June

9 likes

When I say I want a snack, this is what I mean 😍
Yogurt bowls will alwayssss be a hit with me 🥰 - Yogurt of choice - Fruits - Granola Nice & simple 😋 #yogurtlover #yogurtbowl #healthysnacks
Sky | CPT

Sky | CPT

4593 likes

Let’s Grow Glutes (Beginner Friendly)
Crafting the perfect derrière is a journey of strength, dedication, and the right exercises. Begin with Barbell Squats, laying the foundation with 8-10 powerful reps. Elevate your game with Reverse Lunges, 3 sets of 10 on each side, challenging your stability and endurance. Romanian Deadlif
Sky | CPT

Sky | CPT

516 likes

CPT 2026: Musculoskeletal
Let’s apply the correct modifier to the correct finger #cpt #medicalbillingcoding #medicalcoder
Bri

Bri

32 likes

A young woman in a car with sunlight on her face, accompanied by text stating, "WHAT BIPOLAR 2 AND CPTSD LOOK LIKE since people think bipolar is crazy." The image introduces the topic of Bipolar 2 and CPTSD.
A young woman smiling in a car, surrounded by text describing symptoms like "extreme depression," "hypomania," "feeling unlovable," "restless," and the cycle of happiness followed by depression and anger.
A text-based image listing various symptoms of CPTSD, including panic, behavioral difficulties like impulsivity and substance misuse, cognitive difficulties such as dissociation, interpersonal problems, physical symptoms, and other symptoms like flashbacks and sleep disturbances.
What bipolar 2 and cptsd look like
zahra

zahra

33 likes

Tips From A CPT | How To Structure Your Workout
As a personal trainer I've learned how to structure my workouts to be the most effective for me and I wanted to share some of those tips with you. Definitions: Compound Lift - A lift that uses multiple body parts to complete Accessory Lift - A lift that targets one specific muscle/muscle g
Erika Quarles

Erika Quarles

41 likes

Nobody Talks About ADHD + Autism + CPTSD Enough
A lot of late-diagnosed neurodivergent people grew up believing they were “too much” and “not enough” at the exact same time. Too sensitive. Too emotional. Too intense. Too quiet. Too forgetful. Too reactive. Too different. But nobody talks enough about what happens when ADHD, autism, and t
Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

Katarina Scott ✨ ECA Tea 🫖

2 likes

Tips to pass your NHA CPT Exam!!
Hey girls! This is everything I did to help me score a 429 on my NHA exam! I studied for 3 weeks before my exam and got the highest score in my class. Make sure you breathe through your exam, read every question, and DO NOT SECOND GUESS!!! If you pick an answer, stick with it unless you know 100% y
Schiann_

Schiann_

183 likes

How Trauma presents itself …. CPTSD
Courtney Watkins

Courtney Watkins

601 likes

The image shows phlebotomy equipment, including a training arm, tourniquet, syringe, and blood tubes, with the title 'Strengths CPTs Bring To Healthcare.'
Individuals practice phlebotomy on training arms, illustrating the precision and accuracy required for drawing blood and handling specimens.
Medical supplies such as gloves, alcohol wipes, gauze, and a butterfly needle are shown, representing patient interaction skills in phlebotomy.
Strengths CPTs Bring to Healthcare
Tag a friend who’s preparing, or save this for later! - Ready to pass your CNA, CCMA, or CPT exam on the first try? Follow @anchoredinhealthcare for tutoring, comprehensive study guides, and real-world strategies to help you succeed. - #phlebotomy #phlebotomytips #phlebotomist #s
anchoredinhealthcare

anchoredinhealthcare

62 likes

A woman takes a mirror selfie, with text overlay stating "I HAVE CPTSD: my symptoms," introducing the topic of complex post-traumatic stress disorder.
A person holds a mug next to a gratitude journal on a blanket, with text explaining that CPTSD develops long-term from emotionally unsafe relationships or childhood abuse.
A woman stands in an archway, surrounded by text bubbles listing CPTSD symptoms like chronic exhaustion, fear of abandonment, mood swings, people-pleasing, and trouble trusting.
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder: what??
There is a why behind the way we react to situations. I had to learned that to understand myself. I had a big trauma when I was a kid and it doesn’t matter if it was 19 years ago, it doesn’t matter if it’s not part of my life anymore or not, or subconscious always save the information. My b
thamysenem

thamysenem

52 likes

Chat CPT pro’s
I started using Chat GPT to help me with my weight loss. It has been AMAZING. And if you don’t like the suggestions they give you, you can ask them to adjust to your liking. #healthapps #chatgpt #Lemon8Diary #wellness #healthylifestyle
jessicakotten

jessicakotten

845 likes

An illustration showing a person's head with abstract purple shapes, representing mental distress, alongside the title "CPTSD EXPLAINED: IT'S HARD TO LIVE WITH * SYMPTOMS & COPING *" and a "SWIPE" indicator.
Text describing the experience of living with CPTSD, including feeling on edge, dissociation, emotional trauma, and the limbic system's response to stress hormones.
Text explaining that Complex PTSD profoundly impacts the nervous system, causing past traumas to feel present, and clarifies that it stems from a series of traumas over a long period.
CPTSD EXPLAINED: IT'S HARD TO LIVE WITH
Living with CPTSD & BPD. but lets focus on the CPTSD. With CPTSD, I constantly feel on edge. The disassociation is the worst,it feels like im just outside of my body watching things happen. Nothing seems to help. The emotional trauma gets physically stuck in my body. What happens with CPTSD is
Chryz(tina)

Chryz(tina)

49 likes

Get an Hourglass Back | Tips From A CPT
You know how you see girlies in dresses and they have that defined mid back? This is the exercise to target that area! 👏🏽 This machine is called a Chest Supported T-Bar Row and I'm quite literally obsessed with it at the moment. 😆 I put a some explanation of the machine and how to use it in
Erika Quarles

Erika Quarles

74 likes

GIRL 🤝 CHIN UPS
4 week chin up progression guide from 0-1 Chin ups are such a great feat of strength, not to mentions you feel like total badass when you do them💪🏼🥵 Do these twice per week and watch your chin-ups take off! Let me know if you want more details on the week by week exercises! Xoxo #chinups #
Ellie | NASM CPT

Ellie | NASM CPT

23 likes

Job Demand for CPTs
💡 Tag a friend who’s preparing, or save this for later! - Ready to pass your CNA, CCMA, or CPT exam on the first try? Follow @anchoredinhealthcare for tutoring, comprehensive study guides, and real-world strategies to help you succeed. - #phlebotomist #phlebotomy #CPT #phlebotomys
anchoredinhealthcare

anchoredinhealthcare

52 likes

Why Your Body Goals Shouldn’t Be Based on Theirs🚩
On this side of social media, we keep it 💯 I went back and forth about writing this, but as someone who has worked in the fitness industry for years, it amazes me—and honestly saddens me—to see the lengths some people go to for likes, views, and money. I’ve seen it firsthand: influencers lying a
Sky | CPT

Sky | CPT

393 likes

The image shows a person holding a black stethoscope, with text overlaying "5 Simple Tips to Pass the CPT Exam on Your First Try." The "ANCHORED IN Healthcare" logo is visible.
This image features a white and rose gold stethoscope with text advising to "Focus on Key Topics" like anatomy, medical terms, order of draw, and infection control for the CPT exam.
The image displays a white and rose gold stethoscope, with text instructing to "Take Practice Tests" and use flashcards for tube colors and additives.
5 Simple Tips to Pass the CPT Exam
On your first try! Tag a friend who’s preparing for their exam, or save for yourself! - Ready to pass your CNA, CCMA, or CPT exam on the first try? Follow @anchoredinhealthcare for tutoring, comprehensive study guides, and real-world strategies to help you succeed. - #cna #medicalas
anchoredinhealthcare

anchoredinhealthcare

32 likes

First movie to mention complex PTSD
The new I know what you did last summer movie actually mentions CPTSD . Sign the petition to demand recognition https://www.change.org/RecognizeCPTSD #cptsd #cptsdawareness #cptsdcommunity #recognizecptsd #traumahealing cp
complex.dani | healing & CPTSD

complex.dani | healing & CPTSD

1 like

Do what you need to do!
#tdotthetrainer #gymworkout #gymmotovation #gym #gymtiktok
Tdot | ISSA CPT

Tdot | ISSA CPT

2 likes

A dramatic red and orange cloudy sky at sunset or sunrise over a dark cityscape. A black text box overlays the sky, displaying the white text: "CPTSD DISSOCIATIVE AMNESIA - CAN'T HOLD A JOB DOWN BECAUSE AT THE SLIGHTEST BIT OF STRESS, MY MIND WIPES COMPLETELY OF THE ENTIRE ENCOUNTER." The Lemon8 logo and username are at the bottom left.
CPTSD Dissociative Amnesia
#cptsd #cptsdawareness #memory #disabled #greylabrys
GreyLabrys

GreyLabrys

6 likes

Complex Trauma/CPTS
Complex trauma isn’t “just” anxiety, sadness, or overthinking. It’s being stuck in survival mode even when nothing is wrong. It’s the fear of being too much and not enough at the same time. It’s the guilt after speaking your truth. The shame that sneaks in when you start to feel safe. It’s laye
Soft Truths 🪽

Soft Truths 🪽

16 likes

3 Reasons To Switch It Up | From A CPT
Since I've starting doing single leg exercises I've noticed a huge change in my regular lifts. I have better stability, better mind muscle connection, and more gains. 😌💅🏽 Now, I will say when incorporating these movements they're just like the rest. Keep your intensity high, prioriti
Erika Quarles

Erika Quarles

15 likes

The “eat less, move more” era is bullshit.
And has led to chronic over training and extreme, restrictive dieting. Which has lead to muscle loss, binge eating, and burnout. What if… You ate a balanced diet that left you feeling full and satisfied, preventing binge-eating when you get home from work or on the weekends? You droppe
Kale RD, CPT

Kale RD, CPT

32 likes

Highlighting the CPT book
If you're getting ready to take the CPC exam, one thing you can do beforehand is highlight and tab your coding books. This will help you read the code descriptions quicker and help you code faster. Remember for the CPC exam you only have 4 hours to answer 100 multiple choice questions. A lot of
midnightcoding

midnightcoding

187 likes

cptsd
#cptsd #cptsdrecovery #greylabrys
GreyLabrys

GreyLabrys

16 likes

TRAUMA . what do u do when u experience it?
How do you deal with trauma? #traumarecovery #survivor #traumaeffects #cptsdawareness #ptsdawareness
layla

layla

2 likes

See more