Being hurt by a loved one or close friend in your life can greatly impact your mental health and quality of life. Not only can you feel betrayed by that loved one who hurt you, but it can also make it difficult in the future to make close connections with others. In this article, you’ll learn more about what relational trauma is, signs you may be struggling with relational trauma, and more below.
Multi Concept Recovery offers premier rehab centers so patients can effectively break free from addiction. We understand that no two recovery journeys are ever the same. Whether you are struggling with unresolved trauma, or another mental illness or addiction, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we support your unique recovery needs.
What is Relational Trauma?
Interested in learning more about relational trauma?
Relational trauma refers to a form of trauma where an individual is hurt by someone they considered to be close to them. This can include emotional abuse or psychological neglect and can involve various people in an individual’s life that they consider to be a close friend, family member, or loved one.
For example, relational trauma can look like a child growing up with parents who were emotionally abusive toward them. Or, this can look like being in a relationship with a partner who consistently betrays your trust and is emotionally abusive.
If you struggle with relational trauma, you may find you have a difficult time letting others in/ forming close connections with others. This is because your body and mind may be trying to protect you for fear that you will be hurt again by someone close to you. This can make it inevitably more difficult to trust others and form deeper, long-term connections with others.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Relational Trauma
Now that you know more about what relational trauma is, it is essential to be aware of the various signs and symptoms of this condition. Sometimes, it can be difficult to distinguish whether you are struggling with relational trauma. Below are several common signs and symptoms of relational trauma to look out for:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Decreased Self-esteem
- Shame
- Feeling disconnected from others
- And more
If you experienced emotional neglect or abuse from someone close to you and are struggling with the above symptoms, you may be struggling with relational trauma.
How to Treat Your Relational Trauma
If you suspect you may be struggling with relational trauma, it is important to consider seeking professional support for your condition. Otherwise, failure to address your relational trauma symptoms can keep you from making and maintaining deeper, more meaningful connections with others.
Individual therapy or trauma-informed therapy can be an effective way to address your symptoms in a safe space with a licensed professional. Here, you will be able to not only learn more about yourself and understand your thoughts and feelings, but you will also be able to learn healthy strategies to heal from your trauma.
Help Is Available
Now you know more about what relational trauma is, and how you can heal from your unresolved trauma. Trauma, left untreated, can not only hurt your mental health and well-being, but it also negatively impacts your quality of life. This is why it is essential that if you or someone you know is struggling with a mental illness or addiction, you seek professional help.
Multi Concept Recovery is here to help you receive the personalized support you need to lead a healthier, happier quality of life. No more suffering in silence, our compassionate team of addiction specialists and mental health professionals is here to help. We provide a comprehensive range of addiction treatment programs and mental health treatment options. Ready to start your recovery journey? Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes relational trauma?
Relational trauma involves being emotionally or psychologically abused or neglected by someone close to you. This can range from a parent or caregiver growing up, to a romantic partner or close friend in adulthood. Unfortunately, when you are abused by someone close to you, this can cause you to struggle to feel protected, safe, and able to trust others. Inevitably, this can impact your ability to make close connections with others in the future due to your past experience of being betrayed and hurt by someone close to you.
Is relational trauma the same as PTSD?
While relational trauma and PTSD are not the same, they do have various things in common. Both involve traumatic experience(s); however, the causes behind each typically differ. For example, relational trauma involves being emotionally hurt in a close relationship. Meanwhile, PTSD often involves being exposed to a physically traumatic event, such as experiencing combat, a serious car accident, or a natural disaster.
While both are traumatic and can present similar symptoms, like anxiety and isolating from others, it is important to understand that relational trauma and PTSD are not the same thing. Relational trauma deals more with trauma that stems from a close relationship, oftentimes in childhood, where PTSD is not tied to emotional abuse from a close relationship.
How long does it take to overcome relational trauma?
There is not one specific timeline for overcoming relational trauma. While some patients can see improvements in a matter of months while they are receiving treatment for their trauma, other patients may find more gradual improvements and need years of treatment to effectively improve symptoms. It is important to understand that each patient’s recovery journey is uniquely different, and that there are a range of factors at play that can impact how long (or short) it may take a patient to overcome their relational trauma.
It is essential that if you or someone you know thinks they are struggling with unresolved trauma, to seek professional support from a licensed therapist. A therapist can help provide a safe space for you to talk about your past and learn healthy strategies to cope with your symptoms and heal from your past so you can progress toward healing and improving your quality of life and relationships for the better.
