You have almost certainly heard of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Thanks to Hollywood and news headlines, we usually associate PTSD with war zones and natural disasters. However, different forms of PTSD exist and they can be caused by a very wide range of events. Take, for example, Post-Traumatic Relationship Syndrome (PTRS).
Abusive relationships can produce a long-lasting traumatic impact. These effects might be caused by physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Gaslighting and manipulation also often result in a person being stuck in a cycle of flashbacks, shame, and confusion. Fortunately, relationship trauma can be addressed, managed, and resolved with the help of a skilled mental health professional.
Differences Between PTRS and PTSD
Let’s begin by differentiating PTRS from PTSD. Someone living with PTSD might find themselves fluctuating between two uncomfortable states. Firstly, there are nightmares and flashbacks. These intrusive thoughts and experiences can make you feel as if the crisis is happening all over again. In a flash, however, a person with PTSD can shift into avoidance. They go to extreme lengths to avoid being triggered.
Relationship trauma is far more likely to keep the negative memories in the forefront of your mind. You replay them over and over — often trying to reframe what happened to you. This unwillingness and inability to detach from the deep pain keeps the trauma fresh in your body and mind. As a result, you are being denied a chance to find relief.
Common Signs of PTRS
Intrusive Thoughts: Nightmares and flashbacks are common and distressing.
Anxiety: PTRS is technically an anxiety disorder.
Rushing Back Into a Relationship: You see it as a way to bury the past but often end up with another topic partner.
Guilt and Self-Blame: You ask yourself questions like: Why didn’t I leave sooner? What did I do to make this happen?
Withdrawing From Others: You feel as if everyone is judging you.
You Get Triggered Very Easily: The slightest reminder of the relationship or your ex is enough to set you off.
Healing From Relationship Trauma
Someone struggling with PTRS will need to meet with a therapist. Healing from trauma is absolutely possible but should never be attempted on your own. You will benefit greatly from professional guidance. At the same time, there are plenty of self-help steps you can take to enhance your treatment, e.g.
Create and stick to a daily self-care regimen (sleep, exercise, eating habits, relaxation techniques, and more)
Lean on your trusted support system and be clear when communicating your needs
Accept what has happened and understand that you are not the one at fault
Practice setting and enforcing boundaries
Take steps to create a personal environment/lifestyle that feels safe
Resist the tendency to now view all relationships as risky and dangerous
Accept that some conflict is a normal part of life and all relationships
The keys to your self-help and self-care are feeling safe and not dwelling on self-blame. Your weekly therapy sessions are where the discovery, exploration, and healing begin.
But, Once Again, Ask For Help
The fallout from relationship trauma can wreak havoc on your overall well-being. You can end up losing faith in yourself and in others. The physical symptoms can also be quite debilitating. All of this emphasizes the necessity of reaching out to get the appropriate type of help.
You do not have to live in this kind of limbo — a confusing post-trauma state. Personalized treatment is available and I would love to talk more with you about this. Together, we can get you moving along on the proven path to recovery. Let’s connect for a free and confidential consultation soon for trauma therapy. If you’d like to read more on Trauma and PTSD Treatment, click here.