When betrayal happens by someone you trusted, its impact runs far deeper than the immediate emotional turmoil. How you feel doesn’t just affect your emotions, but can also have a significant impact on the health of your body and how it functions. Learn more about betrayal trauma and how it might physically manifest.

What Is Betrayal Trauma

Betrayal trauma refers to the intense emotional and psychological distress that occurs when someone you deeply trust like a partner, family member, or close friend violates that trust. This type of trauma can be life-altering and leads to both immediate and long-term effects. It’s crucial to understand the gravity of this betrayal and its subsequent ripple effects because when trust is broken, the brain enters a heightened state of alertness. This triggers the fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones prepare the body to face danger, but when betrayal becomes the catalyst, the body can remain in this state for prolonged periods.

How Stress Hormones Affect Physical Health

Chronic stress, often a result of betrayal trauma can wreak havoc on the body. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones affects several systems in the body, including:

• Cardiovascular System⎯Acute stress can trigger a rapid increase in heart rate and muscle strength, while chronic stress leads to prolonged activation of the nervous system and elevated levels of harmful hormones like cortisol. These effects can contribute to conditions like atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia which raises your risk for cardiovascular issues.
• Respiratory System⎯From disrupting breathing patterns to compromising immune function, stress can worsen respiratory conditions like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
• Gastrointestinal System⎯Stress hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine have a big impact on the digestive system. They also constrict blood vessels in the gut, reducing blood flow and inhibiting secretions and nutrient absorption.
• Musculoskeletal System⎯Chronic stress causes increased levels of cortisol and catecholamines which impact muscles and bones. The stress-induced sympathetic nervous system worsens tension leading to headaches, jaw disorders, slow recovery from injuries, and increased risk of conditions like fibromyalgia and back pain.
• Immune System⎯Chronic stress can weaken the immune system by activating the sympathetic nervous system and Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis. Chronic stress also fuels systemic inflammation which can worsen autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions.

The Brain’s Response To Betrayal

The brain plays a pivotal role in processing betrayal trauma. When confronted with betrayal, the brain’s limbic system, which is responsible for emotions goes into overdrive, and this can lead to heightened emotional responses and difficulties regulating feelings.

Those experiencing betrayal trauma may find it challenging to concentrate, make decisions, or remember important details. These cognitive impairments can interfere with daily life, affecting work, relationships, and overall well-being. It’s important to recognize that the brain’s response to betrayal is not a sign of weakness, but rather a natural reaction to an unexpected and distressing event.

The Brain & Gut Connection

There’s a close link between our gut and brain, known as the brain-gut axis. This connection means that emotional distress, like betrayal trauma can directly impact digestive health. The gut is often referred to as the “second brain” due to the significant number of nerve cells it contains, and its ability to influence mood and behavior. When trauma due to betrayal occurs, the gut may react with symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. This can happen because the stress and anxiety triggered by betrayal affects the gut’s normal functioning. It’s a vicious cycle where emotional distress exacerbates physical symptoms and vice versa.

Sleep Disruptions & Fatigue

Sleep is vital for overall health and well-being, but dealing with betrayal trauma can severely disrupt sleep patterns. Many individuals experiencing betrayal trauma report difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep, which can lead to chronic fatigue and exhaustion.The stress and anxiety from betrayal keeps the mind active, making it hard to relax and unwind. This results in restless nights where the body doesn’t get the restorative sleep it needs, and over time, sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, impair cognitive function, and elevate stress levels even further.

Physical Pain & Tension

It’s not uncommon for those experiencing betrayal trauma to report physical pain and tension in their bodies. The stress associated with betrayal can manifest as muscle tension, headaches, and even chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. This physical pain is often a reflection of emotional distress because when emotions are suppressed or not adequately processed, they can manifest physically. It’s the body’s way of signaling that something is wrong and it needs your attention. The connection between emotional and physical pain highlights the importance of addressing emotional well-being to alleviate physical symptoms.

Self-Care & Healing

Healing from betrayal trauma requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both emotional and physical health. Creating a regular exercise routine can also boost mood and reduce stress levels by releasing endorphins which are the body’s natural mood elevators. Mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing exercises can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety. These practices encourage you to focus on the present moment, allowing you to step away from the distressing thoughts and emotions associated with betrayal.

Therapy For Betrayal Trauma

Therapy is a powerful tool that helps you navigate the complexities of betrayal trauma and so you can process it and move forward in your life. In some cases, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is a really great way to process your betrayal. If you or someone you know is experiencing betrayal trauma, contact us for a free phone consultation and learn how you can begin your healing journey.