Living with betrayal trauma can leave you with a wide range of mental and physical health issues. Likewise, the inner turmoil you’re experiencing can lead to a variety of symptoms. Betrayal trauma can make life difficult to manage. As you’re left trying to pick up the pieces, you may be wondering how to cope with everyday life.
The moment you discover a betrayal, life changes. After the initial impact, the broken trust may leave you with symptoms of betrayal trauma. How do you balance work, family life, your relationship, and the flood of emotions you’re feeling? How do you cope with betrayal trauma?
In this article, we’ll talk about betrayal trauma. We’ll discuss common symptoms you may experience. Then, we’ll provide you with 5 ideas that may help you cope with your betrayal trauma.
What are the symptoms of betrayal trauma?
When a person you rely on for security and safety violates your trust, the feelings of betrayal at that moment can be earth-shattering. As a result, symptoms of trauma can begin to develop. There are many ways this can happen. For example, learning a spouse is having an affair or has a porn addiction can lead to betrayal trauma. Likewise, children with abusive or neglectful parents can develop symptoms of betrayal trauma.
Living with betrayal trauma can feel paralyzing. Likewise, it can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as:
- interrupted sleep patterns
- lack of or increase in appetite
- panic attacks
- anxiety
- depression
- heavy emotions and mood swings
- guilt
- anger
- inability to trust self or others
- racing thoughts and questions
- question people’s intent
- difficulty taking care of self/others
- easily distracted or unable to focus
- brain fog
5 Positive Ways To Help You Cope With Betrayal Trauma
Yoga or meditation.
Trauma resides in the body. As a result, you may have both physical and emotional symptoms. Taking time every day to meditate can help you get in-tune with your body. Yoga can provide both mental and physical exercise. Likewise, both meditation and yoga can help reduce the stress and tension of betrayal trauma.
Self-care.
You may hear this a lot, but self-care is a vital component of your mental and physical well-being. In your situation, the idea of putting your oxygen mask on first so you can care for others is more true than ever. Carrying the emotional stress of betrayal trauma can be extremely difficult. As such, healthy food choices, exercise, personal hygiene, and good sleep habits are little things that may help your burden feel lighter.
Seek support.
There are many ways to seek support. If you have a trusted friend or family member to confide in, that’s a great option. Likewise, online support groups or group therapy may help validate your experiences. Connecting with others who are going through a similar situation can be very beneficial.
Set boundaries.
Boundaries are a great way to create safety for yourself. For example, if you aren’t comfortable talking about your situation with family members, set that boundary. You can prepare and practice your response ahead of time, so at the moment, you can give a calm, unemotional response. Another example could include setting physical boundaries with your partner.
Acknowledge your emotions. Whether you write in a journal or talk to someone, acknowledging your feelings may help you cope with betrayal trauma. Journaling can be a great way to keep track of how you’re feeling and monitor your progress. Likewise, writing your feelings down can help you release your emotions rather than shoving them down.
Where can I turn for trauma or emotional support?
There are many online resources to turn to for betrayal trauma. Due to COVID-19, many support groups have moved their sessions online. As a result, you may have more access to support from others who understand what you’re going through because they’re in a similar situation.
There are many online resources to gather information from as well. For example, on our website, bloomforwomen.com, you can find informational resources and a supportive community. Likewise, we provide useful tools that may help you through your healing process. We also offer free courses that focus primarily on helping you heal from betrayal trauma.
The ultimate goal is to help you heal and move forward. Regardless of whether or not your relationship remains intact, you deserve happiness and peace. At bloomforwomen.com, we want you to find the support you need. Our education courses are research-based and aim to help you through your difficult journey. However, if you feel like a therapeutic approach may be better, you can find a list of therapists who specialize in the treatment of betrayal trauma.
Regardless of the path you choose, it’s important for you to know healing is possible. Likewise, the symptoms of betrayal trauma are real. The issues that can arise and the physical toll from the betrayal can leave you grasping for a sense of normalcy. The good news is, you don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out today.