Have you heard of Complex Ptsd? It is caused by layers of trauma (abuse or entrapment) over a long period of time, the symptoms are a bit different to Ptsd which is usually caused by a one time traumatic event.

[link to www.outofthefog.net]

The good news is that with awareness, self-acceptance and distance or boundary setting with those who act as 'triggers', then symptoms can be reduced and managed over time. Cptsd is a psychological injury inflicted on the person (usually from an early age) as opposed to a psychological illness. Although not responsible for inflicting the wounds, in learning to take responsibility for their own healing the sufferer can heal and move forward from the past and become a more 'whole' person.

This is true in my own experience.

Finding a safe place to share topics like this is essential imo, negative posts can be very triggering to an hsp.