Betrayal trauma is not for the faint of heart. In an instant, the discovery of a betrayal within your relationship can flip your world upside-down. Furthermore, research shows you can develop betrayal trauma regardless of whether you find out on your own or if your partner tells you. Therefore, if you’re struggling with symptoms, it’s a good idea to reach out for support.
After betrayal occurs, you may not recognize your symptoms as those of trauma. You may not even realize that a betrayal within a relationship can cause symptoms similar to PTSD. For example, you may experience:
– hyperarousal
– intrusive thoughts
– emotional dysregulation
– flashbacks
– depression and anxiety
– avoidance and withdrawal
Without proper treatment, symptoms may last indefinitely. If you’re living with betrayal trauma, there are ways to help you heal.
How Your Strengths May Help You Heal from Betrayal Trauma
The path forward after betrayal trauma is unique to each person who walks it. Therefore, it’s important not to compare your reaction or symptoms to others. After all, what you’re experiencing is unique to you, and many factors can influence your response to the betrayal.
One important step in moving forward is to help you discover inner strength and confidence. Likewise, activities you find empowering can lead to life-changing results.
So, where do you begin? First and foremost, you’ll need a support person. Whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, or therapist, having someone to talk to as you express your emotions is vital to the healing process.
Next will be daily self-care. Making yourself a priority is crucial to your mental and physical well-being. Likewise, as you lean into daily exercises and activities that bring fulfillment and inner peace, you can begin to heal.
Another step to help you along your healing journey is to focus on your strengths. There are a variety of questionnaires you can take to help you discover where you shine. Then, you can work to shift your focus and interrupt intrusive thoughts as you refine your strengths. Empowering yourself and processing your emotions can set you up for a successful outcome.
Finding Help for Betrayal Trauma
Betrayal trauma can occur within a significant relationship of trust. For example, it may develop after discovering your partner cheated or has an addiction. The aftermath can lead to symptoms similar to PTSD. However, there are ways we can heal from betrayal trauma.
After a betrayal, it’s common to question ourselves and wonder how we missed the signs. Some feel desperate for transparency and answers but may not get them. Others struggle to believe their partners, while some move into a state of denial. In other words, symptoms of betrayal trauma can range drastically, and so can the impact the betrayal has on your everyday life. As a result, support is an essential part of healing and recovery.
Daily activities that help you embrace your strengths can lead to empowerment and confidence. Likewise, there are ways to use your strengths to help you cope with the symptoms of betrayal trauma.
If you’re ready to explore ways to heal from betrayal trauma, call us today. Our staff at Fort Worth Counseling and Intervention work together to help you find the right therapist. To learn more about us or set up an initial consultation, visit our website or contact us today.
