Signs & Healing

Relationship trauma occurs when one experiences abusive behaviors from an intimate partner. This abuse may be emotional, physical, or sexual, leading to profound trauma and lasting psychological and physical impacts.

This article delves into the indicators of relationship trauma and paths to seek treatment and support.

What is Relationship Trauma?

Though not officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Post-traumatic Relationship Syndrome (PTRS) is seen as a subset of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It emerges from studying individuals’ post-abusive relationships, showcasing symptoms akin to PTSD, such as intrusive thoughts and avoidance behaviors. PTRS uniquely involves trauma-related shame, influencing the avoidance symptoms distinctly from PTSD.

There is a lot more research that needs to be done to understand the full impact of PTRS on individuals following a traumatic relationship. Remember that experiencing and living with trauma is different for everyone. What is relatively universal is the feelings of shame survivors experience both during and after trauma has occurred. Avoidance becomes standard for survivors, and understanding how the mind shifts people in this direction isn’t fully understood.

Signs to Watch For

Healing begins with recognizing the signs of relationship trauma, which include flashbacks, feelings of fear, distress, guilt, shame, nightmares, difficulty in trusting, and suspicion. These symptoms stem from the abusive dynamics within the relationship, affecting a person’s emotional and psychological well-being.

1. Emotional Turmoil: Individuals may find themselves grappling with a spectrum of negative emotions, including anger, fear, stress, or anxiety, specifically within the context of their relationships. Such feelings may prompt them to steer clear of situations, events, or people that trigger these responses in an effort to manage their discomfort.
2. Guilt and Shame: These emotions can significantly impact one’s sense of connection and belonging, potentially leading to isolation or detachment from others. The weight of guilt and shame, often intertwined with feelings of hopelessness, stress, anger, or fear, can make the formation of new, meaningful relationships challenging.
3. Flashbacks: These are intense, involuntary memories of traumatic events that can suddenly invade a person’s thoughts, making them feel as though they are experiencing the trauma all over again. These vivid recollections can be highly distressing, often recurring without warning, and are difficult to control.
4. Challenges with Trust: The experience of abuse within relationships can severely impact an individual’s ability to trust others and themselves. The betrayal inherent in abusive dynamics can leave lasting scars, complicating efforts to build new, meaningful connections based on trust. 
5. Heightened Suspicion: Experiencing abuse, which often involves the violation of personal boundaries, can lead to a deep-seated mistrust and suspicion towards others. This can result in an increased state of vigilance, where an individual is constantly on guard in their interactions and environments, wary of further harm. Infidelity can be a source of relationship trauma as trust has been damaged severely.
6. Sleep Disturbances and Nightmares: Trauma related to relationships can disrupt normal sleep patterns, making it hard for someone to either fall asleep or remain asleep through the night. Troubling dreams or nightmares that replay aspects of the trauma may also frequently occur, further impairing sleep quality. Lack of sleep can spill over into our day-to-day activities in negative ways.

Causes and Dynamics of Abuse

Abuse in intimate relationships often arises from one partner’s desire to control or overpower the other, influenced by stressful life events, a history of trauma, and substance abuse. This imbalance fosters a climate of fear and anxiety, perpetuating the cycle of abuse through various harmful behaviors.

• Engaging in physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
• Using belittling, insulting, or bullying tactics.
• Making threats of harm towards the partner or their loved ones.
• Isolating the partner emotionally and physically from their support network.
• Restricting the partner’s freedom and decision-making capacity.
• Taking control over the partner’s financial resources or other avenues for independence.
• Employing intimidation tactics with weapons.
• Destroying the partner’s personal belongings.
• Preventing the partner from seeking external help or assistance.
• Manipulating perceptions through gaslighting to make the partner doubt their reality.
• Implementing stonewalling by refusing to communicate or giving the silent treatment.
• Love-bombing to manipulate the partner with excessive displays of affection.

If any of these behaviors manifest from your partner a change is necessary. If you feel trapped by the situation you can get out and get help, just take the first step. 

The Phenomenon of Trauma Bonding

Trauma bonding occurs within abusive relationships when the abused partner develops a sense of attachment to their abuser, often rationalizing or justifying the abusive behavior, which further entrenches the cycle of abuse.

Pathways to Healing

Healing from relationship trauma is a gradual process, emphasizing the creation of a safe environment, setting boundaries, building a support network, and engaging in self-care practices. Sharing one’s trauma history with trusted individuals or partners can foster a stronger sense of trust and support in relationships.

Seeking Professional Help

When trauma symptoms significantly affect one’s life, consulting with a mental health professional is crucial. Therapy offers a secure space to learn coping mechanisms, process emotions, and establish healthy boundaries. For some, medication may also be recommended to alleviate symptoms.

Healing from relationship trauma requires patience and support, emphasizing personal safety, emotional care, and gradual recovery. Emily Abeledo, LCSW, is a certified relationship trauma therapist who has worked with survivors of relationship trauma to reclaim self-love and confidence to live a fulfilling life. 

Schedule a consultation or your first appointment, and let’s start the journey of healing together.