5 Ways to Heal From Relationship Trauma
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of relationship trauma, you may be wondering how you will move on. Perhaps your partner seemed serious about planning your future together, only to break up with you unexpectedly. Or maybe you discovered that your partner was unfaithful, and now, you feel like your trust in others has been shattered. Maybe your partner changed so drastically over time that you felt like you no longer recognized them by the time your relationship ended.
No matter the circumstances, experiencing relationship trauma can leave you reeling. Here are a few tips to help you process what happened and embrace a new chapter of your life.
1. Acknowledge Your Pain
First, it’s important that you don’t try to brush your pain under the rug. Part of you might want to put your trauma behind you and move on as quickly as possible. But this isn’t a healthy approach. In order to heal, you need to begin by acknowledging that you were deeply hurt by someone you loved. You may want to write in a journal to get your thoughts down on paper and reflect on how you’re feeling.
2. Focus On Basic Self-Care
In the wake of a breakup, it’s easy to neglect your needs. You might be struggling to keep up with healthy habits like cooking nutritious meals or exercising. It may be hard to get a good night’s sleep or even work up the energy to take a walk around the block. Reach out to a friend who might be open to acting as an “accountability buddy.” See if they can help you get back on track with a structured routine. Practicing basic self-care during this vulnerable time is essential.
3. Spend Time With Friends And Family
With your partner suddenly out of your life, you need to lean on the other people who care about you. Get in touch with your friends and family, and make an effort to include some social plans with the people you love on your schedule. What if you had lots of mutual friends with your partner, and you’ve lost a good portion of your social circle due to the breakup? Look into joining hobby groups or volunteer organizations in your area to start forming new friendships.
4. Seek Comfort In Everyday Life
It’s okay if you feel like you need to escape from everyday life right now. But finding healthy ways to enjoy escapism is key. For example, you might want to rewatch some of your favorite comforting movies or pick up a book you’ve always loved. If you have any pets, spending more time playing with them can be a great way to find some comfort and reassurance as you adjust to your new circumstances. This could also be a good time to take a class on a creative activity that interests you.
5. Talk To A Therapist
Even with the support of your family and friends, you might still feel like you need guidance to recover from relationship trauma. Furthermore, you may worry that if you open up about your complicated emotions regarding your relationship, your loved ones won’t fully understand what you’re going through. You might also fear that they’ll judge you. Working with a therapist may be the right choice for you. A therapist can provide a safe, judgment-free space where you’ll be able to express yourself. They can also teach you the strategies you need to rebuild your life after going through relationship trauma.
Are you struggling to overcome relationship trauma? Working with a therapist can help. Reach out to us today to discuss your options for scheduling your first session.