Both the nature of the traumatic events people experience and the imprints left on their minds and bodies can affect their unique presentation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Those who experience prolonged abuse, instability or emotional neglect as children may be more likely to develop complex PTSD. These people tend to show more dissociation, emotional flashbacks and difficulty with relationships. College-aged students may notice trauma symptoms getting worse when they’re away from home and living independently for the first time. 

People with any type of PTSD will have some type of flashbacks or intrusive thoughts about their trauma. They’ll also avoid reminders of it and go into hyperaroused states. In contrast to CPTSD, people with typical PTSD usually develop symptoms soon after experiencing a one-time event, like a mugging or a sexual assault, or repeated traumatic events, such as abuse. They’re more likely to experience flashbacks in dreams, images or visceral feelings. They avoid specific places and activities that are likely to remind them of their trauma. Those with CPTSD, however, may try to avoid social or emotional situations.

In this blog post, we’ll talk more about what CPTSD looks like and describe nine symptoms college-aged students may experience if they have this condition.

9 symptoms that college-aged students may experience with CPTSD

Most young adults who have CPTSD learned to deal with a baseline of high stress or feeling constantly unsafe at a young age. They’ve never really known a time when they’ve felt fully accepted and supported by a trusted caregiver. They’re likely to spend a significant amount of time feeling stressed, anxious, on edge or depressed. They may have received diagnoses of generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder or major depressive disorder in the past.

Coping with a dysregulated nervous system during the day may be exhausting and cause them to feel more depressed at night. They may want to “zone out” by doing nothing or using substances to get the rest they need to recover. While some alternate between fight or flight and a state of shutdown, others might be in a prolonged “freeze” state. This might feel like constant overwhelm, depression or detachment from one’s own feelings.

Experiencing intense emotions on a daily basis may alienate college-aged students from their peers. They may have never developed the skills they need to form and maintain close friendships, or they may find it easier to self-isolate. 

College-aged students who have CPTSD may experience the following symptoms:

• Dissociation — Dissociation is the mind’s way of escaping when the body is stuck in an overwhelming or painful situation. You might feel like your mind is somewhere else or like you’re on the outside, watching yourself from a distance. You might lose track of time or have trouble remembering things that happened while you were dissociated.
• Hypervigilance — Hypervigilance is the feeling of being on the lookout for something unexpected — an attack, perhaps, or a sudden movement. You might be easily startled or have trouble thinking clearly because your attention is focused on your surroundings. 
• Emotional flashbacks — These are sudden, unstoppable rushes of feeling or “emotional flooding” that come up in situations that mirror your traumatic experiences. You may feel like you’re a young child again and feel helpless, hurt or abandoned. You may feel your heart pounding or start sweating, hyperventilating or crying. 
• Avoidance — People who have CPTSD typically try to avoid situations, people or conversations that may be triggering. You may even try to avoid your own thoughts.
• Stress and anxiety — Stress and anxiety are often the norm for people who have CPTSD, and they may have difficulty managing these symptoms. You may use unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance use to numb these feelings.
• Depression — You may have depressive episodes, or you may have some degree of depression most of the time. Depression symptoms can include a lack of pleasure or enjoyment, low energy, physical discomfort, feelings of emptiness or sadness, and more.
• Negative feelings — People who have CPTSD may struggle with anger, shame or guilt about their past experiences. They may get extraordinarily angry or upset about situations in the present that relate to their trauma in some way.
• Low self-worth — People who have CPTSD often feel diminished, defeated or worthless because of what they’ve been through. They may have a hard time believing that things will get better or doubt that they deserve a better life.
• Difficulty maintaining healthy relationships — All of these symptoms, as well as a deep sense of distrust and a lack of positive experiences in relationships, can make it very difficult for people with CPTSD to build healthy relationships. They may feel very isolated or fundamentally different from other people.

Start your CPTSD healing journey at Lightfully

The types of neglect and abuse that cause people to develop CPTSD are more common than most people think. During the treatment process, it’s important for survivors to feel safe in their environment and work on things like self-compassion and boundaries. With very little experience of feeling safe and supported, they need to get in touch with their bodies and their needs. They need to reprogram their nervous systems so they’re not always on high alert.

Recognizing that you need help is a huge first step. At Lightfully, we’ve created a tranquil and affirming environment where people can heal from complex trauma and rediscover themselves. We provide personalized treatments using our Precision Care Model (PCM). Each of our clients receives a blend of evidence-based treatments, including group and family therapies, to suit their unique symptoms and goals for life after treatment. 

Are you ready to start healing from CPTSD? Reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team to set up an assessment today. We look forward to helping you reconnect with yourself and start your next chapter.