5 Ways to Begin to Move Beyond Your Betrayal Trauma
Studies indicate that nearly 70% of partners will develop symptoms of PTSD after discovering a betrayal. In addition to post-traumatic symptoms, you'll likely experience a devastating sense of loss. As a result, the grief you're experiencing can be overwhelming. In fact, you may not know how to begin to move beyond your betrayal trauma.
Betrayal trauma can occur after your spouse betrays your trust or violates your sense of security and safety. There are many circumstances that may lead to this very disruptive experience. Examples of betrayal trauma include discovering a porn or sex addiction, infidelity, or a financial betrayal. In an instant, you may feel like life has flipped upside-down.
In this article, we'll talk about betrayal trauma. We'll discuss 5 ways to help you begin to heal and move forward.
What symptoms of betrayal trauma could you experience?
There are many symptoms of betrayal trauma. Like many, you may develop and experience depression, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. Likewise, you may be overwhelmed with anger, fear, and grief. It's not uncommon to experience physical symptoms as well. For example, you might develop sleeplessness, irritability, headaches, nausea, and loss of appetite.
It's also common to have mood swings as your thoughts shift from one moment to another. Likewise, you may have difficulty focusing or making decisions. You may feel like you have outbursts of anger and wonder why. Furthermore, you may begin pulling away from others, leading to isolation and loneliness. Betrayal trauma can dysregulate your emotions and impact your physical and mental well being.
The hope in all of this is, although you're suffering now, you don't have to suffer forever. You deserve to heal, regardless of whether your partner takes ownership and changes.
5 ideas that may help you begin to heal from betrayal trauma
The variety of symptoms you're experiencing are normal reactions of betrayal trauma. Over time, symptoms are not likely to fade away. On the contrary, without support, you may push your emotions down, causing further emotional and physical issues.
Let's talk about 5 things you can do that may help you begin to move forward with your betrayal trauma.
- Acknowledge your emotions. An important component to both your mental and physical health is to acknowledge your emotions. If you have a trusted friend or family member, reach out to them to talk about what you're experiencing. You can also write down your thoughts and emotions.
- Meditate. A component of restoring your physical and mental health will be giving your mind and body rest. Meditation allows you to quiet your thoughts and can help you begin to regulate your emotions.
- Self-care. An important part of your mental and physical health is self-care. Putting your needs first may be difficult or a new experience for you. However, at this time, it becomes crucial to your healing.
- Seek support. A betrayal can instantly shatter your sense of reality. Like many, you may not feel comfortable talking about the situation or your experience with friends or family. However, that doesn't erase your need for support. There are many online resources available such as BloomforWomen.com.
- In addition to online resources, individual therapy may be the best way to begin your healing process. If your relationship is going to heal, you will likely need couples therapy. However, in order for you to heal, you may need specific treatment for betrayal trauma.
Where can I find help for Betrayal Trauma?
If you are ready to seek treatment for betrayal trauma, you'll want to find a therapist who specializes in helping you heal.
- We won't blame you for your spouse's actions.
- You won't be labeled as co-dependent the moment you tell us your partner has an addiction.
- We will not shame you, regardless of whether you choose to stay in your relationship or end it.
At Capstone Counseling and Coaching, we aim to create an environment of safety and trust to help you through your journey of healing. We would love to talk to you more about your betrayal trauma experience. Visit our website or call us today.
FAQ -Betrayal Trauma
