How can I support my friend with CPTSD?
A friend of mine, whom I (F20s) have known for years but only recently (within the past eight months or so) became close with, opened up to me about her childhood traumas (CSA, CSAM, and all of the fallout associated with them... nightmare fuel, literally). She is not diagnosed but jfc she could be the poster child for CPTSD. That being said, she is incredibly reluctant to pursue any sort of counselling or psychiatric support or diagnosis. I am in this subreddit in the hopes that someone can recommend how I can, as her friend, continue to support her in the healthiest ways possible and hopefully encourage her to seek support from a professional, maybe even a diagnosis.
I hope this doesn't come off as self-righteous, that is not my intention at all. I just want to know what I can do to show her that I genuinely, truly care. What kind of support from your loved ones helps/helped you during your process?
Posted Feb 23, 2026, 5:59 AM UTC