Most people think about PTSD stemming from disasters, war, rape, or torture. And those sorts of events can lead to some of the most severe cases. A lot of people aren’t aware that PTSD symptoms can arise from repeated smaller trauma. I bring this up because a lot of men on here have commented about being bullied in their adolescence. Repeated and sustained bullying can lead to mild cases of PTSD, which can worsen as it is left untreated.

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/trauma-stressor-related-disorders/effects-being-bullied-harassed

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The following is a list of symptoms from the Mayo Clinic. I have italicized those I think are common to incels and people who are drawn to TRP.

Intrusive memories

Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:

  • Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
  • Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
  • Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event
  • Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event

Avoidance

Symptoms of avoidance may include:

  • Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
  • Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event

Negative changes in thinking and mood

Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include:

  • Negative thoughts about yourself, other people or the world
  • Hopelessness about the future
  • Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
  • Difficulty maintaining close relationships
  • Feeling detached from family and friends
  • Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • Difficulty experiencing positive emotions
  • Feeling emotionally numb

Changes in physical and emotional reactions

Symptoms of changes in physical and emotional reactions (also called arousal symptoms) may include:

  • Being easily startled or frightened
  • Always being on guard for danger
  • Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior
  • Overwhelming guilt or shame

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967

I ended up italicizing almost everything that doesn’t involve direct memory of traumatic events. This is consistent with the American Addiction Center's article I listed before.

So many of these symptoms are so common in this community. I just wanted to throw this out there for some of you who may have been bullied earlier in life and started experiencing these symptoms without connecting the two. Bullying early in life can set you up with a mental health problem that can directly impact your life in many ways, including making it very difficult to interact romantically. Maybe it wasn't because you weren't "Alpha" enough, maybe it was because bullies caused you to develop a disorder that has slowly been growing most of your life and made it overwhelmingly difficult to form romantic connections.

If this describes you, or comes close, please consider reaching out to a mental health professional. It's never to late to start getting help. If you can't afford it, there are a lot more pro-bono options than you would think. I can help you start the process of finding them, if you need.