Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a complex mental health disorder that stems from experiencing particularly harrowing events that result in mental, physical, or emotional harm. These traumatic events can take several forms, from natural disasters and car accidents to horrible experiences in a romantic relationship. Relationship PTSD isn’t limited to just romantic relationships either, as relationship PTSD can develop due to friendships gone awry or familial bonds being challenged. PTSD from relationships can affect every other facet of a person’s life and bring overwhelming difficulties that need to be addressed holistically to take the first steps towards healing.
Can You Develop PTSD From a Relationship?
Relationship PTSD is not only possible, but it can be more prevalent than many may realize. Trauma can be physical, mental, or emotional in nature — or even a combination of these — so there are many ways for traumatic events to manifest.
Can You Develop PTSD from Physical Trauma in Relationships?
Experiencing physical trauma during a relationship can be the result of an outright physically abusive partner. While physical abuse is often coupled with verbal or other emotional abuse, one’s physical trauma can cause even further difficulties and fear regarding relationships — this can affect relationships they are currently in and potential future relationships. Physical abuse leading to PTSD can also result from unwanted sexual advances, acts, or expectations placed upon a person, as being in a relationship does not give any kind of implied sexual consent, and sexual abuse and trauma can result in relationship PTSD.
Mental Trauma in Relationships
PTSD and relationships can also be closely tied through mental abuse, commonly in the forms of verbal belittlement or gaslighting. Controlling partners can even try to change the way a person thinks in one’s relationship, fundamentally changing one’s worldview and stripping a person of their identity by dictating the way that an individual “should” think. The removal of agency and forced sense of subservience is an incredibly traumatic experience, resulting in pervasive feelings of worthlessness or helplessness that can continue to affect a person’s life both inside and outside of a romantic relationship.
Emotional Trauma in Relationships
Emotional abuse is also common throughout relationships and can result in relationship PTSD. Verbal belittlement or teasing can often result in this kind of trauma, especially if done in a way that seems to be genuine criticisms of an individual. Partners throwing guilt or shame on another can quickly develop into this kind of trauma as individuals begin to blame themselves for everything that happens in the relationship, with their self-confidence and sense of self-worth plummeting as a result. Infantilization, intimidation, liberal use of ultimatums, screaming, neglecting one’s needs or wants in a relationship, and even being physically, emotionally, or intellectually unavailable can all result in these feelings.
Cheating partners can also commonly result in traumatic experiences as an individual is left feeling unwanted, isolated, and betrayed in their trust. Being cheated on can fundamentally change the way a person approaches trust in all other facets of one’s life. Lastly, the deterioration of relationships, such as a sudden breakup or the death of a partner, can also produce a kind of relationship trauma that stems from these similar feelings of isolation, loneliness, and emotional solitude.
Signs of PTSD From a Relationship
PTSD triggers in relationships can result in any number of inherent, immediate responses. Those suffering from a traumatic relationship can have any number of symptoms as a result. While not every person will experience trauma in the same way, some possible signs of trauma from a relationship are:
Anxiety
Depression
Isolationist tendencies
Difficulty sleeping
Nightmares
Flashbacks
Difficulty focusing
Detachment
Paranoia
Self-doubt
Pervasive act or words of self-criticism
Exaggerated self-blame
Self-destructive behavior
Inability to engage in personal interests
Difficulty communicating
Unwillingness to open up
Extreme emotional reactions
Constantly canceling social plans/responsibilities
Each of these symptoms can have debilitating effects on its own. Those suffering from the trauma of a past or current relationship may need professional help to cope with the various ways that these things can affect their life as a whole. Noticing these symptoms and contacting a professional is the first step towards healing from these serious and traumatic experiences.
How PTSD Can Affect Future Relationships
Experiencing a traumatic relationship can frame how an individual views all other relationships in their lives and any potential future romantic endeavors. While some individuals may work hard to accept the idea of going on a date again, they may still find it incredibly difficult to discuss personal feelings, share their opinions, confide in new partners, or trust in many regards. Paranoia and fear of recurring traumas can dictate a relationship and ultimately lead to deterioration.
Others may have no difficulty jumping back into a relationship but will end their relationships quickly to avoid ever having to get truly close to another person again. This causes them to move between romantic relationships frequently.
Sometimes, otherwise altruistic notions from one’s partner can be interpreted as triggers or stressors depending on your past traumatic experiences, causing you to rework genuine care and interpret it as something more malicious. This can make it incredibly difficult to further develop relationships and separate one’s new partner from your past experiences, stunting the development of the relationship until your traumatic experiences are addressed.
Ways to Improve and Heal
Healing can be a long and complicated journey and depends on each individual’s unique experiences. However, beginning with individual or group counseling can be the best bridge to establishing a safe space to discuss the residual wounds from a traumatic relationship. This is paramount for those coping with the lingering effects of PTSD from a relationship, as it can help you learn how to employ grounding strategies and personalized techniques for many of the symptoms that may still be pervasive throughout one’s day, such as anxiety, depression, or inconsistent sleep.
Medication-assisted therapy, or MAT, may also be appropriate to help alleviate some of the symptoms of PTSD, depending on the person. While medication is not a replacement for ongoing therapies, it can help address the symptoms of PTSD so an individual can focus more of their energy on learning and employing successful coping strategies.
Learning to practice self-affirmation is also crucial for reestablishing one’s own sense of agency and identity outside of a relationship. Finding hobbies and people with which to share interests without romantic expectation can help an individual begin to reestablish their identity beyond a traumatic relationship. Attending art classes, finally writing that book, or getting into your favorite sport as a part of a club or league can all be ways to refocus one’s energies on your own development.
Letting go of self-blame is one of the most challenging — as well as most profound — parts of the healing process, especially since victims of abuse are commonly told that such abusive actions were either partly or wholly their own fault. Reframing this mentality is crucial for healing to take place, and working with professionals to directly address the idea of self-blame and guilt is paramount to tackle these topics in a safe, supportive, and productive environment.
PTSD can be developed from any number of different places, and one’s past relationships can absolutely leave disastrous, lasting impressions on a person. Moving through physical, mental, or emotional abuse and overcoming relationship PTSD is a long endeavor, but it is possible.
At Chateau Recovery, we understand the complicated nature of trauma, trust, and recovery and are prepared to help you find your best practices to address your traumatic experiences. We offer an array of programs, from individual and group therapy, medication-assisted therapy, art, as well as extensive trauma and relapse prevention programs to help you better understand and maintain your transformed and positive mindsets following recovery.
Our beautiful facility and supportive atmosphere are designed to help you let go of past relationships and focus your energy on your recovery. For more information on how we can create an individualized plan for you, or to speak to a caring, trained staff member about your unique situation, call us today at (435) 222-5225.
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