Have you ever felt that the very person or institution you trusted the most turned their back on you, leaving you questioning everything you once believed in? Betrayal trauma isn’t just about hurt feelings; often, it turns into a deep psychological wound that can shatter your sense of safety, trust, and even your identity.
In our everyday lives, trust is the invisible glue holding relationships, communities, and systems together. When that glue suddenly breaks, the fallout can be both immediate and long-lasting.
This blog will be your support guide to understanding this term, learning the common signs and symptoms, learning the long-term effects, and learning how to improve with the help of a professional.
What Is Betrayal Trauma?
According to Jennifer J. Freyd, betrayal trauma occurs when the people or institutions on which a person depends for survival significantly violate that person’s trust or well-being.
You can see people willingly or unwillingly betraying others, which often leaves them questioning their identity, having trust issues, withdrawing from everyone, and losing hope. This is what we refer to as betrayal trauma.
Betrayal trauma is a complex subject because, in most cases, the betrayal is the caregiver and the victim is dependent either physically, emotionally, or financially on this person. Because the victim has to ensure their survival, this has a great psychological impact on an individual. Thus, it’s hard to measure and track the improvement.
Further in the blog, we will understand all the pointers in detail to see where things go.
Types of Betrayal Trauma
To understand the term correctly, we need to know the forms in which it usually comes. There are three types of betrayal trauma:
1. Relational betrayal
Relational betrayal is one of the common types of betrayal, where one family member betrays another member and does not live up to their expectations. This can be:
- Either of the partners cheating
- Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
- Money or property issues
2. Institutional betrayal
Institutional betrayal happens when any organization fails to keep up its promises to its customers and/or employees. Schools or colleges covering up assaults and workplaces hiding or ignoring abuse cases are some examples.
3. Societal betrayal
Discrimination based on caste, race, religion, color, gender, or any other parameters comes under the umbrella of societal betrayal. A systematic change in policy that does not align with the majority of people is one of the other examples.
Symptoms and Signs of Betrayal Trauma
Betrayal trauma affects a person on various levels, and you can see an emotional, behavioral, and physical impact on a person’s life. Here are some common symptoms in people going through a betrayal trauma:
1. Emotional Signs
When going through a betrayal trauma, common mental health issues like anxiety, depression, guilt, and shame begin to develop to an extent where the person can become emotionally numb.
2. Behavioral Changes
Betrayal comes with a lot of self-doubt and trust issues. You begin to question your reality and where you exactly went wrong. You believe staying alone and social withdrawal can fix everything when it’s actually not the case.
3. Physical Symptoms
When you are not mentally fit, your body is the first to give you signs. Overthinking, insomnia, fatigue, changes in appetite, and body aches are some of the visible symptoms that can help you determine what is wrong with your body and mind.
The Long-Term Effects of Betrayal Trauma
If not treated at the right time, this trauma can take a different shape, affecting all areas of your life.
- The person may struggle with establishing a strong self-worth.
- The person will fear building new relationships and getting attached to others in any way.
- Unresolved stress can lead to various chronic mental and physical illnesses.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the easiest to develop in such a scenario.
- The person will not believe anyone who has trust issues with everyone, including himself.
Therapeutic Approaches to Healing from Betrayal Trauma
Recovering is hard, and the process can feel worse than the trauma itself. But if you follow a multifaceted approach under expert guidance, recovery can become a magic stick to ease your problems.
1. Psychoeducation
The first step to curing anything is knowing that it exists. Educating yourself about the concept of mental health, the causes of your trauma, and effective coping mechanisms is helpful to self-treat with the help of a professional.
2. Attachment therapy
A professional digs deep into your childhood and identifies various patterns of your attachment.
3. Group therapy
Going through mental trauma often keeps us away from people, and we begin to think we are the only ones going through this. Group therapy helps you share your experience with like-minded individuals.
4. Self-care
Focusing on self-improvement is a slow but effective process in reversing all mental health conditions. Regular exercise, proper diet, meditation, spending time with loved ones, and pursuing a hobby can be some ways to start.
5. Support systems
When you go through a betrayal, it’s important to surround yourself with people who are always on your side, no matter what. This will help you regain trust and start a new chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the four stages of betrayal trauma?
A: Discovery, shock, grief, and rebuilding are four stages of betrayal trauma that a person generally goes through.
Q: What are the symptoms of betrayal wounds?
A: Symptoms of betrayal wounds include anxiety, trust issues, shame, intrusive thoughts, and physical stress symptoms like insomnia or fatigue.
Q: What does betrayal trauma feel like?
A: It feels like overwhelming emotional pain, confusion, and a profound loss of trust or safety in relationships.
Q: How to repair betrayal trauma?
A: Repairing betrayal trauma typically involves therapy, establishing healthy boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and rebuilding trust through consistent support.
Q: What triggers betrayal trauma?
A: Triggers for betrayal trauma can include reminders of the betrayal, interactions with the betrayer, or situations resembling the original traumatic event.
Q: How can Avisa Recovery help you overcome betrayal trauma?
A: We at Avisa Recovery help individuals overcome betrayal trauma through specialized therapies like EMDR, tailored support groups, and personalized treatment plans addressing emotional and relational healing.
