Part 1 of a two-part series.

Let's explore complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), what it is, and how the road to recovery may feel like an arduous trek, but it is a journey you can complete successfully despite how long it can be and the difficulties encountered along the way.

Starting on a journey to recovery from C-PTSD can, for so many of us, feel akin to setting off on a trek through Mordor versus a short, one-mile loop through your favorite park.

Big. Scary. Arduous. Seemingly never-ending. Filled with danger.

It's a natural response, a question often stemming from desperation and so many years of pain, to wonder, "How long will it take to recover from C-PTSD? Is there an end to this journey, or will this go on forever? How will I know when I'm done? Why isn't this done yet?"

I get it because I've asked all these questions, too.

Many times.

It's perfectly natural for you to want to know the timeline of your recovery and to be frustrated with how long it feels.

Who wants to start a hike without having some idea of when they'll reach the summit or at least a rest point where they can sit down, have some water, and rest their weary legs?

Not me.

But just as every hike is unique—meaning as unique as the person and the capabilities of their body undertaking it, not to mention the topography and terrain traversed—so too is........

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