I. Introduction
Betrayal trauma is a form of emotional trauma that occurs when someone close to you – a partner, family member or friend – violates the trust you have in them. This can leave you feeling hurt, shocked, and isolated, and can profoundly impact your mental and physical well-being. According to research, betrayal trauma is prevalent in almost 90% of women and 69% of men seeking treatment for infidelity in their relationships.
The purpose of this article is to explore the 26 symptoms of betrayal trauma. We will offer advice on how to cope and seek help if necessary. We also hope to provide insights into this underdiagnosed and often misunderstood condition
II. Informative Article on Betrayal Trauma Symptoms
Betrayal trauma symptoms refer to the emotional, physical, and behavioral changes that people experience when someone they trust betrays them. These symptoms can be caused by different forms of betrayal, including infidelity, emotional or physical abuse, financial cheating, or lying about important issues.
There are 26 known symptoms of betrayal trauma, which we will list and clarify below:
1. Sleeping difficulty
Insomnia, nightmares, and sleeping difficulties are common symptoms of betrayal trauma. If you’re dealing with this symptom, establishing a consistent sleep routine and talking to a doctor or therapist about potential medication can help.
2. Intrusive thoughts and memories
Intrusive thoughts and memories about the betrayal can be overwhelming and seem impossible to control. Techniques like mindfulness and meditation can help redirect your focus and stabilize your emotions.
3. Sexual difficulties
Suffering from betrayal trauma can impact sexual desire and arousal. Talking openly with your partner and consulting with a therapist or medical professional can help to alleviate these issues.
4. Anxiety
Feelings of anxiety, panic disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder are frequently associated with the trauma of betrayal. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation can help with managing anxiety and stress.
5. Trouble with memory and concentration
Betrayal trauma can inhibit people’s focus and concentration leading to forgetfulness and difficulty with memory. Practicing mindfulness can assist in keeping your mind present and alert to avoid memory lapses.
6. Mood swings and emotional outbursts
Mood swings and emotional outbursts like anger, irritability, and sadness are common betrayal trauma symptoms. Expressing your emotions through hobbies or finding support groups that understand your struggles are helpful ways to cope with these symptoms
7. Hypervigilance and paranoia
Hypervigilance and paranoia can be symptoms of betrayal trauma. It is essential to seek professional guidance to learn mindfulness techniques and communication strategies to gradually overcome these habits.
8. Changes in appetite
Some people may experience appetite changes related to betrayal trauma, such as loss of appetite, binge eating, or comfort eating. Consulting with a professional dietician and keeping a food diary can help to retrieve healthier habits of eating.
9. Substance Abuse or Addiction
People may turn towards substance abuse and addiction as a coping mechanism with the traumatic event of betrayal. Seeking support groups or individual counseling can help with identifying this pattern and prevention for future instances.
10. Exhaustion and fatigue
A constant feeling of exhaustion and fatigue can make it hard to perform daily tasks. Seeing a therapist and developing a routine that included daily physical exercise and taking breaks daily can alleviate feelings of fatigue.
11. Depression and sadness
Betrayal can be an intense trigger for depression and profound sadness. Seeking mental health support can offer various treatment options that can help individuals face their emotions.
12. Changes in routines and hobbies
Following the event of betrayal, people may tend to want to withdraw from previous activities they once loved. Finding new interests, seeing friends and family, and building new routines can help individuals establish a new normal.
13. Loss of sense of self
Following the feeling of betrayal, people can lose sight of what they prioritize, leading to a loss of sense of self. Seeing a counselor or therapist to reconnect with one’s values and identity is helpful and essential to overcome betrayal.
14. Suicidal thoughts and feelings
Suicidal thoughts can be a potential symptom of betrayal trauma. Seeing a trained therapist or crisis hotline services can provide individuals with immediate support during a crisis.
15. Emotional numbness
Sensory deprivation can be a trait seen in people who have suffered from betrayal. Restorative practice, such as meditation and soothing activities, may help individuals ease emotional numbness.
16. Blaming self for betrayal
In betrayal trauma, it is possible to get caught in the blame game. It is essential to take a step away from self-blame and turn to self-care and healing. It is crucial to learn healing techniques and forgiveness for oneself.
17. Obsession with details
People who suffer from betrayal trauma may tend towards becoming obsessed with details. It is necessary to learn ways to add mindfulness practices and techniques of refocusing oneself when overwhelmed with details.
18. Overthinking
People who experience betrayal trauma might experience overwhelmed thoughts. Problem-solving mind-mapping or writing is helpful to overthink the situations positively.
19. The feeling of feeling powerless
Individuals who experience betrayal trauma might develop a feeling of helplessness. Negative self-talk should be challenged, and the victim should be empowered to make a victorious change.
20. Trust Issues
After experiencing betrayal, it is common to develop trust issues. Building trust with oneself and to establish evidence of trust with intimate relationships can help to regain control over thoughts of trust.
21. Fear of Commitment
When one suffers from betrayal trauma, a fear of commitment might arise. Overcoming fear and self-healing by therapy is an excellent way to face these issues.
22. Negative body image
When trust is broken in a relationship, the feeling of negative body image might arise. Building self-love and positive affirmations works as a way to learn to love and accept oneself.
23. The feeling of incomplete forgiveness
When one forgives but still feels incomplete, self-expression in forms of art, writing or therapy allows one to express the trauma and process in a healthy way.
24. Isolation and withdrawal
After experiencing betrayal, it is natural to feel isolated and withdraw from others. It’s essential to reach out, making social connections, and building counseling relationships.
25. Difficulty expressing emotions
When betrayal occurs, for some, it might become challenging to express emotions. Communicating and expressing these emotions through writing, therapy, support groups, or even with loved ones are ways of breaking these barriers down.
26. Inability to trust intimacy
Trauma affects us all, especially if invested in a personal relationship. Investing in counseling can assist with rebuilding and learning to trust intimacy healthily.
III. Personal Account of Betrayal Trauma
The best way of understanding betrayal trauma is to hear from someone who has experienced it. Below is an account shared by Sarah, 35 – her story is one of many.
Sarah, had been in a committed relationship with her partner Tim for six years when she found out that he had been cheating on her. Sarah said the moment she found out, it felt like the world had stopped spinning.
She experienced many of the symptoms mentioned above, including anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and depression. Sarah shares that one of the toughest symptoms she faced was the constant replaying of the betrayal in her mind. She shared how it was hard for her not to listen to her thoughts and stay present with what was happening around her.
Sarah went to counseling for a few months and shared that part of her healing journey has been to learn how to trust herself and others again.
IV. Research-Based Article on Betrayal Trauma
Significant research into betrayal trauma is still in progress, as mental health professionals and therapists continue to examine how it manifests. Studies have shown differing results on how people present these symptoms and how betrayal trauma has severe long-term impacts.
Trauma-informed therapy like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy and expressive arts help individuals heal through articulating, regulating, and expressing their emotions.
It is essential to note that healing will look different for each individual suffering from betrayal trauma. Each individual’s time will afford them individual strengths, and specific therapy will be recommended accordingly.
V. Advocacy for Betrayal Trauma
Betrayal trauma is one of the most misunderstood emtional conditions and is only a recent topic of professional research, cultural attitudes surrounding sexual and emotional abuse, infidelity, exploitation, and deception make it harder to talk about betrayal trauma openly.
Advocacy for organizations that provide education, awareness, safe platforms to share experiences, signs, and symptoms, as well as self-healing strategies, arts, and recommended counseling resources, must be promoted and uplifted.
There needs to be more public recognition and conversation about betrayal trauma to be able to confront the substantial issue’s root.
VI. Addressing the Stigma Surrounding Betrayal Trauma
Addressing the stigma surrounding betrayal trauma remains essential when promoting open conversations about mental health challenges, including the condition.
Myths such as blaming oneself and remaining silent still surround the understanding and stigmatization of betrayal trauma, and these negative perceptions impact the healing process.
Education, rooted in respect and privacy, should replace ignorance and stigma. Learn how to support loved ones and how to help them heal through professional counseling resources, art, and community support, which can address conflicts around trust and love.
VII. Conclusion
Betrayal Trauma cannot be easily healed. However, seeking professional help can navigate the healing process and offer individual recovery practices.
Each individual’s journey with this difficult experience is unique and personalized counseling is the most effective way of helping. CBT and trauma-focused therapy help individuals understand the triggers, to develop coping mechanisms, to reestablish trust and intimacy trust healthily, and overcome the trauma.
If you believe that you or someone you know is experiencing betrayal trauma, it is important to seek help right away, and start the path to a healthier, happier future.
