Written by: Richard Hilton, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Betrayal can cause psychological damage because it violates a person's trust and sense of security. When someone close to us betrays us, it can challenge our beliefs about the people and world around us and shatter our sense of safety and security. This can lead to feelings of hurt, anger, and confusion, as well as a loss of self-esteem and self-worth. Betrayal can also create lasting emotional scars and make it difficult for a person to trust others in the future, leading to long-term psychological damage.
Sanctuary trauma refers to the psychological harm that can occur when a place or relationship that was meant to provide safety and protection instead becomes the source of trauma or harm. The effects of sanctuary trauma can vary depending on the individual and the specific situation, but some common effects include:
Emotional distress: The experience of trauma in a supposed safe place can result in feelings of betrayal, anger, fear, and shame.
Relationship problems: Sanctuary trauma can undermine trust in relationships and make it difficult to form healthy connections in the future.
Substance abuse and addiction: People who have experienced sanctuary trauma may turn to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism, which can lead to addiction and further harm.
Mental health issues: Sanctuary trauma can lead to a range of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Physical health problems: The stress and emotional turmoil associated with sanctuary trauma can also have physical consequences, such as headaches, sleep disturbances, and chronic pain.
It is important to note that everyone experiences trauma differently, and the effects can be long-lasting and profound. If you or someone you know has experienced sanctuary trauma, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.
What are ways to resolve sanctuary trauma and betrayals of trust?
Resolving sanctuary trauma and betrayals of trust can be a long and challenging process, but it is possible with the right support and resources. Some ways to resolve these types of trauma include:
Therapy: Talking to a mental health professional can help individuals process their feelings and thoughts, work through their emotions, and develop healthy coping strategies.
Support groups: Joining a support group of people who have experienced similar trauma can provide a sense of community and help individuals feel less isolated.
Mindfulness and self-care: Engaging in self-care activities, such as meditation, exercise, or hobbies, can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Building a strong support network: Having a network of friends and family who provide emotional support can be invaluable in the healing process.
Forgiveness: Forgiving those who have betrayed your trust can be difficult, but it can also help release negative emotions and reduce the power that the trauma has over your life.
It is important to remember that healing from sanctuary trauma and betrayals of trust takes time and effort, and what works for one person may not work for another. Seeking the help of a mental health professional is crucial in the healing process, and a combination of different strategies may be necessary for resolving these types of trauma.
Richard Hilton, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Richard is a former member of the British Army. Upon leaving the military he studied extensively in self-defense, Conflict Management. Due to going through a difficult period on leaving, he realised that he needed to make major changes in the direction of his life He then began to study NLP and Hypnosis. He is now helping veterans and first responders with the difficulties and challenges that they are facing on a daily basis. He has also self-published his first book "Whispers over Windermere"
