Complex PTSD Quiz

1. I feel emotionally numb or shut down when I’m stressed.

2. I expect rejection, betrayal, or harm from others even when there is little evidence.

3. If someone’s tone changes, I immediately assume I might be in trouble or unsafe.

4. I check locks, windows, messages, or surroundings repeatedly to reassure myself.

5. I avoid conflict because it makes me feel unsafe or out of control.

6. I scan rooms, exits, or people’s body language to look for danger.

7. I freeze, shut down, or go blank when I feel threatened or overwhelmed.

8. I have trouble calming down once I’m upset; it takes a long time to return to normal.

9. I stay on guard for danger even in situations that others consider safe.

10. I blame myself for what happened to me or for not handling it “better.”

11. My emotions can shift so quickly that it’s hard for me to stay grounded.

12. I have trouble sleeping because I feel unsafe or “on alert.”

13. I feel a deep sense of shame about who I am.

14. I often expect people to reject, abandon, or use me.

15. I feel safer when I’m alone because I don’t have to monitor other people.

16. I avoid making noise or drawing attention to myself so I won’t be noticed.

17. I find it hard to enjoy good moments because part of me expects danger to return.

18. I feel disconnected from others, like I don’t really belong.

19. I feel “on guard” even in places that are generally safe.

20. I feel constantly tense, restless, or keyed up in my body.

21. I have sudden waves of intense emotion (fear, shame, panic, or grief) that feel triggered by the past rather than the present.

22. I feel numb, disconnected, or ""shut down"" when I’m under stress.

23. When something reminds me of past danger, my body reacts as if it’s happening again.

24. I feel emotionally overwhelmed by everyday stressors that others seem to handle.

25. I find it hard to feel close to people or to trust them.

26. I struggle with persistent negative beliefs about myself (e.g., “I’m broken,” “I’m not worth much”).

27. I often feel unworthy of love, care, or respect.

28. Small cues (a tone of voice, a smell, a look) can make me feel like I’m back in a traumatic situation.

29. I replay conversations to check if I missed signs of danger, hostility, or rejection.

30. It takes me a long time to calm down after I feel startled or threatened.

31. I struggle to describe who I am or what I want in life.

32. I feel guilty or responsible for other people’s moods or reactions.

33. I get irritated or angry quickly when I feel cornered, pressured, or watched.

34. Deep down, I feel “broken” or fundamentally flawed.

35. I have trouble feeling compassion or kindness toward myself.

36. I avoid people, places, or activities because they might bring up painful memories or feelings.

37. I frequently feel guilty or ashamed even when nothing is clearly wrong.

38. When I sense possible conflict, my body reacts as if something bad is about to happen.

39. I have difficulty experiencing positive emotions (joy, excitement, love) or feeling safe in good moments.

40. I find myself “people-pleasing,” fawning, or automatically trying to keep others from getting upset with me.

41. Crowded or busy environments quickly make me feel overwhelmed or unsafe.

42. I keep my guard up even with people I care about, just in case.

43. I feel intense emotions that seem out of proportion to what is happening.

44. I feel like I have to perform or please others to be accepted.

45. I have a hard time relaxing because I’m waiting for something to go wrong.

46. Small mistakes make me feel like a complete failure.

47. I have difficulty setting boundaries because I fear upsetting others.

48. I feel safer when I have a plan for how to leave quickly.

49. I feel tense in my body (tight chest, clenched jaw, stomach knots) much of the time.

50. I get easily startled or overreact to sudden noises, movements, or surprises.

51. I blame myself for things even when I logically know I shouldn’t.

52. When I feel upset, it takes me a long time to calm down.

53. I feel uneasy when someone walks behind me or stands too close.

54. I often feel ashamed of who I am as a person.

55. I have trouble sleeping because my body or mind feels unsafe or alert.

56. It’s hard for me to trust my own feelings or judgments.

57. I have periods when I feel unreal, detached from my body, or like I’m watching myself from the outside.

58. I often feel empty inside or unsure what I’m feeling.

59. I avoid certain places, routes, or situations mainly to feel safe.

60. I keep people at a distance even when I want to feel close.

61. When conflict happens, I feel overwhelmed and may shut down or lash out.

62. I sit where I can watch the door or the whole room.

63. Sudden noises or unexpected touches make me jump or flinch.

64. I feel a strong urge to escape (leave, end a call, shut down) when tension rises.