Infidelity Trauma: Infidelity is one of the most devastating and painful experiences that a person can go through in a relationship. It shatters the trust, intimacy, and security that you have built with your partner over time. It makes you question everything you thought you knew about yourself, your partner, and your relationship. It can also trigger a range of emotional and psychological reactions that are similar to those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What is Infidelity Trauma?
Infidelity trauma is a term that describes the emotional and psychological distress that a person experiences after discovering that their partner has been unfaithful to them. It is not a formal diagnosis, but rather a way of understanding the impact of betrayal on the mind and body.
Some of the common symptoms of infidelity trauma are:
- Repeated intrusive thoughts about the affair, the partner, or the third party
- Flashbacks, nightmares, or vivid memories that make you relive the discovery or the events leading up to it
- Numbness, detachment, or emotional shutdown
- Avoidance of anything that reminds you of the infidelity or the relationship
- Anxiety, panic, or hypervigilance
- Depression, sadness, or hopelessness
- Anger, rage, or resentment
- Guilt, shame, or self-blame
- Low self-esteem or loss of identity
- Isolation, withdrawal, or loneliness
- Insomnia, fatigue, or changes in appetite
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, chest pain, or muscle tension
These symptoms can interfere with your daily functioning and affect your personal and professional life. They can also make it hard for you to cope with the aftermath of the infidelity and decide whether to stay in or leave the relationship.
How to Start Healing from Infidelity Trauma
Healing from infidelity trauma is not easy, but it is possible. It takes time, patience, and commitment from both partners. Here are some steps that can help you start your healing journey:
- Seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can help you process your emotions, understand your trauma responses, and provide you with coping skills and strategies. They can also help you decide whether to work on rebuilding your relationship or end it amicably.
- Take care of yourself. Infidelity trauma can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Make sure you eat well, sleep enough, exercise regularly, and do things that make you happy and relaxed. You can also try meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or other forms of stress relief.
- Reach out to others. You don’t have to go through this alone. Find people who can support you and listen to you without judgment. This can be a friend, a family member, a support group, or an online community. You can also seek spiritual guidance if that is part of your belief system.
- Set boundaries. You have the right to protect yourself from further harm and disrespect. You can decide what kind of contact you want to have with your partner and the third party. You can also ask for transparency, honesty, and accountability from your partner if you choose to stay in the relationship.
- Express yourself. You may have a lot of feelings and thoughts that need to be released. You can write them down in a journal, talk to someone you trust, or use creative outlets such as art, music, or poetry. You can also confront your partner or the third party if you feel ready and safe to do so.
- Forgive yourself. You are not responsible for your partner’s infidelity. You did not cause it or deserve it. You are not flawed or unworthy because of it. You are a human being who deserves love and respect. Forgive yourself for any mistakes you may have made in the relationship or in handling the situation.
- Forgive your partner (optional). Forgiveness is not mandatory or necessary for healing. It is a personal choice that only you can make when you are ready. Forgiveness does not mean condoning or forgetting what happened. It means letting go of the anger and resentment that hold you back from moving on with your life.
Infidelity trauma is a serious and complex issue that affects many people around the world. It can cause lasting damage to your mental and emotional well-being and your relationship with your partner. However, it does not have to define you or your future. With proper help and support, you can heal from infidelity trauma and regain your sense of self and happiness.
References:
1 – Post Infidelity Stress Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Coping