CPTSD: Not in the DSM, But in Our Bodies Tee – Advocacy Collection
Just because it’s not listed, doesn’t mean we don’t live with it.
This shirt is part of the Healing & CPTSD Foundation’s Advocacy Collection—a bold, survivor-led campaign demanding visibility for a diagnosis that still hasn’t made it into the DSM, but shows up in our nervous systems, relationships, and daily lives.
“CPTSD: It’s Not in the DSM, But It’s in Our Bodies.”
This isn’t a metaphor—it’s a physiological fact.
The trauma lives in our responses. Our heart rate. Our breath. Our reactions. Our shutdowns. Our survival mode.
You can deny it in a book.
You can’t erase it from our reality.
What Does This Shirt Stand For?
It stands for:
The science-backed truth that trauma lives in the body
The millions of survivors whose experiences aren’t validated by the current mental health system
A call for CPTSD to be recognized, named, and understood—not just clinically, but humanely
The truth that systemic exclusion causes harm—and survivors deserve better
Wearing this shirt means you’re telling the world:
“I don’t need your textbook to validate my experience. I live it.”
Perfect for:
CPTSD survivors who have been misdiagnosed or dismissed
Trauma-informed professionals and advocates pushing for systemic change
Mental health workers who believe in body-based healing and diagnostic inclusion
Anyone whose trauma shows up physically—even when their chart says otherwise
The “my symptoms are not up for debate” crew
---------------------------------
The light, breathable fabric means you can wear it year-round, while the classic crew neckline and retail fit enable easy pairing with jeans, shorts, or skirts. This tee is both fashionable and functional, making it a go-to item in any wardrobe.
Product features
-Made from 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton for ultimate comfort.
- Ethically manufactured with sustainability in mind, complying with fair labor practices.
- Unisex Fit- Flattering on all bodies, all genders
Care instructions
- Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F)
- Non-chlorine: bleach as needed
- Tumble dry: low heat
- Iron, steam or dry: medium heat
- Do not dryclean
 
Advocacy Meets Action.
This exclusive advocacy merch line is created by Healing & CPTSD LLC in proud collaboration with The Healing & CPTSD Foundation—two separate entities united by one mission: to make Complex PTSD impossible to ignore.
Healing & CPTSD LLC is a survivor-led brand amplifying trauma awareness through content and community. The Healing and CPTSD Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to systemic advocacy and providing financial healing grants for survivors.
🖤 10% of all advocacy merch proceeds are donated directly to the Healing and CPTSD Foundation to support trauma-informed policy change and financial healing grants for survivor support.
This isn’t just merch. It’s a movement.
Wear the movement. Fund the mission. Be the proof.
 
Keywords: cptsd not in the dsm shirt, trauma lives in the body tee, survivor advocacy merch, healing & CPTSD Foundation apparel, nervous system trauma shirt, complex ptsd awareness clothing, mental health reform tee, trauma-informed fashion, body-based trauma support shirt, survivor-led advocacy clothing, CPTSD diagnosis awareness shirt, misdiagnosed but real tee, trauma healing merch