5 Ways to Find Healing From Relationship Trauma
When you’re in a relationship with someone, whether that is platonic or romantic, you expect and deserve to feel safe and understood. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. Relationship trauma occurs when that sense of safety is shattered.
Relationship trauma can be emotional, physical, mental, or sexual. The kind of abuse you receive from either a partner or friend can not only impact you in the moment, but it can leave lasting emotional scars that make it difficult to move on.
Difficult, but not impossible.
It’s possible to find healing from relationship trauma. If you’re not sure where to begin, let some of these ideas be a springboard for you to move forward.
1. Foster a Safe Environment
First and foremost, you have to be able to feel safe. Typically, that means getting away from the abuse and finding a secure spot where you don’t have to worry about experiencing trauma again.
If you live with your partner, consider staying with a family member or friend — somewhere you know someone will be there to support and care for you, so you don’t have to be alone wondering about all of the “what ifs” that might come from stepping away. If you
The more time you spend in a safe and secure environment, the better and stronger you’ll start to feel.
2. Practice Self-Care
Relationship trauma can take a toll on your self-esteem. In some cases, it can even lead to shame and guilt.
One of the best ways to start healing is by practicing self-care. Prioritize sleep. Eat healthy meals. Stay physically active. Taking care of yourself, mentally and physically, will remind you of your worth and will start to give you peace of mind.
Additionally, try participating in activities that make you feel safe and comforted. Dive into old hobbies or dip your toe into something new that brings you joy. Not only can it improve your self-esteem but it can help you establish a greater feeling of control.
3. Lean Into Your Support System
Now isn’t the time to shoulder everything on your own. If you’re trying to heal from relationship trauma, let the people in your life who care about you be there to offer support. Communicate your needs to friends and family. Talk about things that have happened. Let them support you and meet those needs as often as possible. You’re not a burden, and they will be happy to help as they see you start to heal.
4. Talk to Them
If you feel safe enough to talk to your partner, disclose your concerns, your needs, and your boundaries. Things like emotional trauma aren’t always intentional and some partners are willing to change their behaviors.
But, you can’t force someone to change. Set your boundaries, be clear and concise about how you feel and what you need, and be realistic about your expectations. If you see your partner making an effort to make things better, you might be able to continue your relationship in a healthy, healing way.
5. Get Help When It’s Needed
While leaning into your support system is important, it might also be necessary to seek professional help from a therapist. A mental health professional can make it easier to get to the root of your trauma, so you can begin healing from the ground up.
It’s not always easy to open up to people you know, no matter how close you are. A therapist offers a neutral, safe space for you to share your experiences without fear of judgment and with an added sense of security.
With help, it’s possible to completely heal from your relationship trauma and move into the next chapter of your life. You can have healthy, loving, happy relationships in the future by addressing and prioritizing the healing process in relationship counseling. Don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more.