Betrayal trauma is a type of psychological trauma that occurs when a person experiences a breach of trust by someone close to them, such as a romantic partner, family member, friend, or even a colleague. Betrayal trauma can cause severe emotional distress, including feelings of betrayal, shock, and anger, as well as physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, and stomach pain. It can also lead to a range of psychological issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In order to heal from betrayal trauma, it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms, process the emotions, and seek professional help if needed.
What is Betrayal Trauma?
Betrayal trauma is a type of psychological trauma that occurs when a person experiences a breach of trust by someone close to them. It can be caused by a range of actions, such as infidelity, lying, abuse, or neglect. It can also occur when someone close to you is involved in a crime or other unethical behavior. When someone experiences betrayal trauma, they may feel shock, anger, hurt, and a deep sense of betrayal.
The psychological impact of betrayal trauma can be severe. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also cause physical symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, and stomach pain. Betrayal trauma can also cause a person to feel a deep sense of helplessness and powerlessness, as well as a lack of trust in relationships.
Signs and Symptoms of Betrayal Trauma
When a person experiences betrayal trauma, they may experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of betrayal trauma include:
• Feelings of shock, hurt, and anger
• Difficulty sleeping
• Nightmares
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Low self-esteem
• Withdrawal from relationships
• Feelings of helplessness and powerlessness
How to Heal From Betrayal Trauma
Healing from betrayal trauma can be a long and difficult process. It’s important to understand that healing is not something that happens overnight, and that it will take time for healing to take place. Here are some tips for healing from betrayal trauma:
1. Acknowledge the Emotions: It’s important to recognize the emotions that come up when dealing with betrayal trauma. Acknowledge and validate your emotions, even if it’s difficult to do so.
2. Express Your Feelings: Once you’ve acknowledged your emotions, it’s important to express them. Expressing your feelings can help you to process them and move on. Try writing in a journal, talking to a friend, or talking to a professional counselor.
3. Find Support: It’s important to find a supportive network of people who can help you through the healing process. This could include family and friends, as well as a mental health professional.
4. Practice Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is essential to healing from betrayal trauma. This includes eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, engaging in physical activity, and doing activities that bring you joy.
5. Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling to cope with betrayal trauma on your own, it’s important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you to process the emotions associated with betrayal trauma and provide you with the resources and support you need to heal.
Conclusion
Betrayal trauma is a type of psychological trauma that occurs when a person experiences a breach of trust by someone close to them. It can cause severe emotional distress and can lead to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you’re struggling to cope with betrayal trauma, it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms and seek professional help if needed. At Purple Sky Counseling in Salt Lake City, UT, we are here to help you heal from betrayal trauma and move forward in life. Our experienced counselors can provide the supportive environment you need to work through your emotions and heal. Contact us today to learn more.