How to Heal From Relationship Trauma

When you think of a healthy relationship, you probably think of two individuals coming together to form a loving and caring bond. This relationship has healthy, open communication, honesty, respect, and trust. While there may be a little give-and-take and compromise, each partner feels like they are making an effort and can express themselves individually, but they come together as one, strong unit.

Unfortunately, not all relationships have this healthy dynamic. Relationship trauma is a type of trauma that can occur in different relationship dynamics between family members, romantic partners, or in working relationships between coworkers. Relationship trauma typically comes from an unhealthy dynamic that involves abuse, bullying, threats, isolation, control, and gaslighting, just to name a few.

Breaking free from the cycle of an unhealthy relationship isn’t easy, but it is possible and you can move forward. This is how to heal from relationship trauma.

Recognize the Signs

The first step towards healing from relationship trauma is to recognize the signs that are red flags in your relationship. They may not be easy to spot at first, but try to take some time to educate yourself on the signs of relationship trauma so you can have the right knowledge and understanding if you’re experiencing any in your relationship. Once you can acknowledge and admit to yourself that these signs are evident in your relationship, you can work individually or with your partner to help identify these problematic areas.

Practice Self-Care

When you’re involved in a toxic or traumatic relationship, it can be easy to lose yourself and your identity. You may constantly be giving while the other person is taking. You may have even lost your sense of individualism for the sake of your partner and relationship. Self-care means putting yourself and your wants and needs first again. Take the time to take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. This means doing things that make you feel rested, recharged, and rejuvenated, like eating healthy and well-balanced meals, getting at least eight hours of sleep each night, and giving yourself grace.

Do the Things You Love

Another way that you can take care of yourself and heal from relationship trauma is by getting yourself involved in activities that you actually enjoy and love again. You may constantly give to your partner or say “yes” to the activities that they like to do to please them. It’s time to put yourself first. If you like cooking or baking, sign up for a class. Try moving your body by going to the gym, signing up for a class with a friend, or walking around your neighborhood. You can also clean the house, start journaling, or get artsy by painting or drawing.

Communicate Your Needs

If you’re in a relationship that you still want to be in despite noticing signs of relationship trauma, it doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship. If your partner is willing to make the necessary changes to come together and build a healthier dynamic, you can both try to make it work. To do this, you need to be able to communicate your wants and needs. Talk with your partner openly and honestly about what’s working in your relationship and what you both may need to reassess. If your partner is willing to make the necessary changes and is respectful of your wishes, you could turn your relationship around. If they’re unwilling to make these changes, it’s a good sign that it’s time to walk away.

Seek Additional Support

There can be a lot of unresolved emotions and thoughts when it comes to relationship trauma. An outside third party can provide a fresh perspective on your relationship with your partner. They’ll be able to help you identify any potential triggers and find ways to better manage and cope with the signs and symptoms you may be struggling with. Reach out today if you’re interested in exploring individual or couples therapy.