I don't have cPTSD, but I've experienced this with my freelance work. I choose the projects I accept carefully, based on my mental and emotional stability at that time. When I decline the offer, I get so many questions not from clients but from acquaintances and other professionals. Most of the time, I just say that there's a mismatch between me and my client. Another reason I say is that it's not very profitable or the deadlines are too tight. The real reason in many cases is that I'm just not okay. They often question me and say that I'm wasting opportunities because I'm very picky. I'm just choosy because I'm trying to take care of my mental health, but I can't say that. No one accepts that way of thinking. I can't just say no without me being labeled as incompetent and lazy.