How You Can Heal from the Trauma of Infidelity

You might not immediately associate being cheated on with experiencing trauma. However, it’s very much a traumatic experience that can impact you for years to come. Infidelity is a harsh betrayal of trust, and can leave you questioning almost everything you once thought to be true.

It can also shape the way you see yourself, relationships, and the world at large. You might even have a hard time understanding or fully processing your emotions.

Almost everyone would likely agree that infidelity in a relationship is bad. But when you focus on the lingering effects and the trauma it causes, you’ll start to realize that there are steps you should be taking to start your healing journey.

Acknowledge Your Emotions

It doesn’t matter if you were in a relationship for six months or twenty years. Infidelity hurts. Don’t feel like you have to push your emotions down or “get over it” quickly. Acknowledge whatever you’re feeling, whether it’s pain, frustration, anger, or sadness.

Acknowledging those emotions will make it easier to process them in healthy ways, rather than turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms. One thing that can make it easier to get your emotions out is to keep a journal. Write down your thoughts and feelings every day. It will give you a chance to process things at your own pace, and you can look back at how far you’ve come.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care is always important, but it becomes absolutely essential when you’re trying to heal from the trauma of infidelity. Self-care looks different for everyone, so you don’t have to feel pressured to do things you’re not comfortable with or that won’t fit into your routine.

Instead, set your focus on doing at least one thing each day with the sole purpose of prioritizing your well-being. It might be getting in 30 minutes of exercise, or cooking a favorite meal. It could be spending time in nature, starting a new hobby, or simply making sure you’re getting enough sleep.

Self-care practices remind you of your worth. Trauma often comes with feelings of guilt and shame, even when you’ve done nothing wrong. Self-care makes it easier to fight back against those feelings and recognize that healing is possible.

Lean On Your Support System

The shame and guilt from trauma can also make it tempting to withdraw from the people you love. Unfortunately, that’s one of the worst things you can do. Now is a time to fully lean on your support system. Surround yourself with friends and family, and those who lift you up. Don’t be afraid to talk about your feelings. Sometimes, simply getting them out can make a difference.

If you’re really struggling, consider joining a support group. You’re certainly not alone in your experience. Hearing from others who have also gone through infidelity in their relationships can give you hope and can offer new ways of coping that you might not have discovered on your own.

Reach Out for Help

You don’t have to deal with the impact of trauma on your own. Being cheated on causes more than just a broken heart, and working through the mental health issues associated with that kind of betrayal is important for your well-being and your future.

Working with a mental health professional can help you better understand your feelings. It will make them easier to process, so you can move forward on your healing journey. While it’s not always easy to relive the experience and the memories, it’s a necessary step if you want to turn the page on that chapter.

If you’re ready to take that step, we would be honored to walk with you. Contact us to set up a consultation soon.