Why is trauma bonding detrimental to your mental health? Trauma bonding occurs when a victim develops...
Why is trauma bonding detrimental to your mental health?
Trauma bonding occurs when a victim develops an emotional attachment to their abuser.
The key element of a traumatic bond is repeated abuse reinforced through a cycle of rewards and punishments.
Victims of this form of emotional bullying experience confusion and find it difficult to leave their aggressor.
Stockholm syndrome is the most popular form of a trauma bond. It occurs when a kidnapped victim develops a strong emotional bond with their abductor as a coping mechanism.
This term was coined after a bank heist in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1973, during which robbers held four hostages for six days.
When the hostages were released, they tried to protect their kidnappers because they had developed a friendship with them.
Trauma bonding can happen when one person mistreats or manipulates someone else.
This could involve situations such as:
Abusers draw you into their deceptive ways by using a pattern of abuse.
They would occasionally ask for forgiveness, express their love for you, and make promises to change. These things contribute to the abuse cycle, which results in a wide range of mental health issues.
Exposure to abuse also creates confusion, which explains why victims often remain in bad relationships for a long time.
Victims of trauma bonding often hold out hope that their abusers will change and treat them with respect. Unfortunately, thinking that your abuser will change will only keep you trapped in the cycle of violence.
If you're unsure whether you're experiencing trauma bonding, here are some signs to look out for.
Leaving an abusive relationship isn't always as simple as walking out the door.
You may feel pressured to stay with your abuser for fear of not finding a safe place to live or not being allowed to see your children or loved ones.
Here are a few ideas to help you break free from harmful trauma bonds and reclaim your life.
Have you ever wondered if you were a victim of abuse and then tried to convince yourself that you're not?
You are not alone.
Others who have been abused by someone they love, such as a spouse, romantic partner, or family member, share the same experience.
Most abuse victims will have difficulty recognizing that a partner or family member mistreats them.
Many people will not admit to being abused until they have managed to escape their abuser and come to grips with their experience.
Admitting that you are being mistreated is the first step toward healing.
Stop making excuses for your offender's poor behavior and call it out for what it is: abuse.
You won't be able to seek support until you acknowledge that you are being disrespected.
Daily journaling can help you identify trauma bonding red flags, patterns, and behavioral issues that may be previously unnoticeable.
Keep track of what happens when your abuser starts to assault you.
Also, write down any excuses they'll make later to justify their actions.
Journaling will help you see things more clearly. Include a record of how you felt after speaking with your abuser.
Record keeping will also help you gauge how exposure to repeated abuse affects your mental health
It is more difficult to assert your right to fair treatment if you believe you caused the abuse.
You may feel powerless in your current relationship due to the overwhelming power imbalance you are experiencing, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to stop the abuse:
Once you've decided to leave and break free from traumatic bonding, it's good to cut off any contact with your abuser.
Keep in mind that your trauma bond to your aggressor will take some time to dissipate.
If you stay in touch with an abuser after you leave them, they may be able to convince you to take them back.
Find a secure place to stay, such as with a relative or a friend, to ensure your safety.
Remember your abuser lacks empathy. Keep yourself safe by taking every precaution.
To ensure your safety, you should also contact the authorities and ask for their assistance.
While it's possible to heal on your own, your recovery from trauma bonding will be faster if you seek professional help.
A professional can also help you navigate the healing process and will lessen the strength of the hurt and pain you've carried around for so long in your subconscious mind.
Therapists can shed light on the abusive patterns that led to trauma bonding so that you can better understand it.
Therapy can also help you:
Ignoring the healing process from trauma bonding can have severe repercussions on your mental health and overall well-being. A trauma bond is an emotional attachment that forms during an abusive relationship, creating a cycle of emotional abuse that can be challenging to break free from. Not addressing this can lead to post traumatic stress disorder, low self-esteem, and negative feelings that persist over time.
If you're wondering how to heal from trauma bonding, it's crucial to remember that trauma bonding occurs when there's a strong emotional bond between the victim and the abusive person. This bond often develops due to repeated cycles of abuse, followed by reconciliation or promises of change.
Neglecting to address the trauma bond relationship can prevent you from developing healthy relationships in the future, as the emotional scars from the trauma bonds can influence your perception and expectations of a healthy relationship. Moreover, remaining in a trauma bonded relationship can exacerbate the effects of mental health issues and could even lead to post traumatic stress disorder.
Not addressing the healing process can result in:
Therefore, it's essential to understand how trauma bonding happens and the steps to break a trauma bond. Seek professional help, join support groups, confide in a trusted family member or friend, and prioritize self-care to start the healing process. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you break free from traumatic bonding and foster healthy relationships.
You never deserve the abuse and trauma you have experienced.
It may take time to regain your self-esteem and identity, but with the proper support, you can cope with the damaging effects of trauma bonding.
URMC.Rochester.edu Journaling for Mental Health
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.
If you find it difficult to express your needs and boundaries, consider discussing this challenge with your therapist.
They can help you develop assertive communication skills and provide a supportive environment for practicing these techniques during therapy sessions.
While some therapists may require a referral, many do not. It's essential to research and contact potential therapists to discuss their specific requirements.
Consider implementing time management strategies to prioritize self-care activities, such as scheduling specific times for exercise, relaxation, or socializing. Communicate with your therapist about the importance of self-care and work together to ensure it is integrated into your healing journey.
Develop a plan for coping with triggers in social or public settings.
This may include having grounding techniques or a self-soothing toolkit readily available, identifying exit strategies if needed, or enlisting the support of a trusted friend or family member.
Inform your therapist immediately if you experience a trigger during a session.
They can help guide you through grounding techniques or adjust the session's focus to ensure you feel supported and safe.
Absolutely. It is essential to establish boundaries around the topics discussed and the pace of therapy to ensure that you feel comfortable and safe during sessions.
Communicate these boundaries with your therapist, who can help tailor the therapeutic process to align with your needs.
