Having a traumatic experience can completely alter the way a person sees, interacts, and feels about the world. In the United States, about 70% of adults have experienced some type of traumatic event, such as physical or sexual abuse, or a serious accident or injury. These events, whether experienced or observed, can have a significant impact on a person’s emotional and physical well being, as well as their interpersonal relationships.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is a type of stress response which occurs when an individual is exposed to a traumatic event. It is a normal reaction to an extraordinary event or situation. Every person reacts differently to trauma, and the effects can vary widely depending on the individual and the type of event that has occurred. Some of the common symptoms of trauma include anxiety, depression, anger, nightmares, and difficulty concentrating. People who have experienced trauma are also more likely to have other disorders such as PTSD and substance abuse.
How Does Trauma Affect Relationships?
Traumatic experiences can have a negative impact on relationships, both romantic and platonic. It can make it difficult to trust others and make individuals feel disconnected to the people around them. Relationships that were previously strong can become strained or even broken because of the difference in how the individuals react to certain moments and feelings within the relationship.
Trouble Expressing Feelings
If a person has experienced trauma, they often have difficulty expressing their feelings and thoughts to those around them. This can be especially true in close relationships. They may not be able to verbally express how they are feeling because of the fear that it may stir up painful emotions or memories. Difficulty expressing feelings can lead to misunderstandings and make it harder for them to connect with their partner.
Difference in Stress Levels
Trauma can cause someone to experience greater levels of stress than those who have not experienced trauma. This can cause individuals to feel overwhelmed, often leading to increased levels of irritability and poor coping strategies. This can cause a relationship to suffer as the individual finds it difficult to deal with the emotions associated with their trauma. This can create tension and put strain on the relationship.
Inability to Handle Complicated Situations
Individuals who have experienced trauma can find it difficult to cope in complicated situations. This can lead to arguments and misunderstandings that can cause a relationship to become strained. Trauma can also lead to avoidance of certain situations which can ultimately impact the relationship and make it difficult for the couple to progress.
Fear of Intimacy
Because of the trauma that a person has experienced, they can become fearful of opening up and being intimate with their partner. They may be scared that their partner won’t understand the depth of their experiences or how it has changed them, leading them to build emotional walls around themselves. This kind of fear can make it harder for couples to develop and strengthen their relationship.
Treatment for Trauma and Its Impact on Relationships
It is important to remember that it is possible for couples to move past the difficulties created by trauma. With proper treatment, it is possible for individuals to learn to manage their trauma and the impact it has had on their relationships. Therapy is an effective way to help individuals cope with their trauma and improve their relationships. Trauma-focused therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and exposure therapy have been shown to be effective in helping individuals work through their experiences.
Although trauma can have a significant impact on relationships, there are ways to help mitigate this. Individuals can seek treatment for their trauma, which can help them better understand their experiences and build bridges back to the people in their lives. Couples can also work together to strengthen the relationship by increasing communication, understanding one another’s reactions, and being compassionate. With the right help, couples can overcome the effects of trauma and build a healthier, more supportive relationship.
