Anxiety and Trauma caused by Infidelity by your therapist in Sugar Land

Infidelity can unleash a maelstrom of emotions, causing profound emotional upheaval for both the betrayed and the betrayer. The aftermath of infidelity often leads to a tumultuous sea of feelings, a rollercoaster of intense emotions experienced by both victims and perpetrators of infidelity. 

Feelings of extreme anger, betrayal, insecurity, rage, shame, guilt, jealousy, and sadness are among the specific emotional manifestations of infidelity-based trauma. The disclosure of an affair commonly triggers depressive symptoms in victims of infidelity. Women who have experienced threats of marital dissolution or their partner's infidelity are at a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with a major depressive episode and reporting heightened symptoms of nonspecific depression and anxiety. 

Research has shown that individuals who have experienced infidelity may also suffer from intrusive images, memories, and rumination about their unfaithful relationships, leading to clinically significant psychological distress. 

Jealousy is the most frequently experienced emotion in response to discovering spousal infidelity. It is often accompanied by anger, insecurity, rejection, fear, betrayal, paranoia, depression, loneliness, confusion, envy, resentment, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These intense emotions may trigger aggressive behavior, which, according to Leeker and Carlozzi, is a leading cause of homicide in the United States. 

The impact of infidelity can have dangerous outcomes for individuals affected by this type of betrayal. Understanding and addressing the emotional repercussions of infidelity is crucial for supporting individuals in navigating the aftermath of such traumatic experiences and seeking appropriate help and interventions to promote healing and recovery.

According to the article, Is romantic partner betrayal a form of traumatic experience? A qualitative study published by NIH, "betrayal by a romantic partner is increasingly considered as a form of interpersonal trauma. Between 30% and 60% of betrayed individuals experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety to clinically meaningful levels". The article went on to discuss how "when exposed to external sources (e.g., books and interviews by psychologists and researchers) that used a trauma and PTSD framework to explain the effects of betrayal, participants reported feeling clarity, validation, and relief." 

Learning of a loved one's affair is gutting. You are left feeling like you can't breathe; the world feels completely different. It can feel like you are Alice in Wonderland falling down the rabbit hole, desperately trying to grasp at whatever comes your way for stability. 

There's a deluge of emotions flooding into your world all at once: hurt, anger, sadness, insecurity, wounded, discarded, insignificant... it's overwhelming. In the NIH article, Betrayal Trauma Anger: Clinical Implications for Therapeutic Treatment based on the Sexually Betrayed Partner's Experience Related to Anger after Intimate Betrayal, "87% reported self-blame and 43% considered harming themselves. Results clearly indicate that betrayed partners are significantly impacted physiologically, psychologically, behaviorally, and spiritually. They experience feelings of intense anger with 84% reporting their experienced anger is more intense than at any other time they experienced anger before discovering betrayal." 

It's not uncommon for anxiety to skyrocket in the aftermath of such a betrayal. As a woman who has just learned about your partner's affair, it's natural to experience a surge of anxiety that can be difficult to manage. The initial shock and disbelief may give way to constant unease and worry. You might find yourself obsessing over the details of the affair, constantly questioning what went wrong and why it happened. Your mind may race with intrusive thoughts, leaving you feeling on edge and unable to find peace.

Anxiety can manifest in various ways, and you may notice physical symptoms such as a racing heart, difficulty breathing, or even panic attacks. Your appetite and sleep patterns might be disrupted, further exacerbating the sense of unease and restlessness. Everyday activities that used to bring you joy may suddenly feel daunting, and making even simple decisions can become a source of stress. 

The fear of the unknown future and the loss of trust in your partner can significantly contribute to heightened anxiety. You may find yourself grappling with feelings of insecurity, inadequacy, and a profound sense of betrayal, all of which can intensify the anxiety you're experiencing.

After learning of an affair, you may feel lost, not knowing how to make sense of it or where to begin. This is where seeking help becomes crucial. A therapist can guide you in creating the framework of functioning again. They can help you make sense of the emotions. We encourage you to use self-reflection, research, and talk about what you need. A therapist can create a safe space where you can focus on yourself because, as women, we only sometimes get the opportunity to do that.