Can cheating cause trauma or PTSD?

Yes, cheating can indeed cause significant emotional trauma and, in some cases, lead to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is a complicated time in one’s life going through being cheated on. It is not just the pain that caused then, it can also trigger feelings of abandonment from past experiences.

Here’s an overview of how infidelity can impact mental health:

1. Traumatic impact: Discovery of infidelity can be a shocking, life-altering event. It can shatter trust, self-esteem, and one’s sense of reality.
2. PTSD-like symptoms:
   • Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks about the infidelity.
   • Hypervigilance and difficulty trusting others.
   • Emotional numbness or detachment.
   • Avoidance of reminders related to the infidelity.
   • Sleep disturbances and nightmares.
   • Anxiety and panic attacks.
3. Post-Infidelity Stress Disorder (PISD): Some researchers propose this term for the specific trauma caused by infidelity. Similar to PTSD but with unique aspects related to betrayal in intimate relationships.
4. Psychological effects:
   • Depression and anxiety.
   • Low self-esteem and self-worth issues.
   • Difficulty in future relationships.
   • Anger and resentment.
5. Physical symptoms:
   • Sleep disturbances.
   • Changes in appetite.
   • Physical pain or discomfort.
6. Long-term impacts:
   • Can affect future relationships and ability to trust.
   • May lead to chronic anxiety or depression if left unaddressed.
7. Healing and recovery:
   • Professional help, such as therapy, can be crucial for recovery.
   • Support groups for individuals dealing with infidelity can be beneficial.
   • Time and self-care are important factors in healing.
   • If healing occurs within the relationship, it can strengthens the relationship to higher degrees of connection and love.

It’s important to note that the severity of the trauma can vary depending on individual circumstances, relationship dynamics, and personal resilience. Professional help is often recommended to process the experience and develop coping strategies. A couples’ therapist can help you with some specific treatment approaches commonly used for infidelity-related PTSD:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
   • Helps identify and change negative thought patterns.
   • Teaches coping strategies for managing intrusive thoughts.
   • Assists in developing healthier behavioral responses.
2. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):
   • Uses bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements) while recalling traumatic memories.
   • Can help process and integrate traumatic experiences.
   • Particularly effective for reducing flashbacks and intrusive thoughts.
3. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT):
   • Combines trauma-sensitive interventions with CBT techniques.
   • Helps in processing the trauma narrative.
   • Teaches skills for managing trauma-related stress.
4. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT):
   • Particularly useful for couples dealing with infidelity.
   • Focuses on rebuilding emotional bonds and trust.
   • Addresses attachment injuries caused by infidelity.
5. Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET):
   • Involves constructing a chronological narrative of life events.
   • Helps contextualize the traumatic experience within one’s life story.
   • Can be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms.
6. Mindfulness-Based Therapies:
   • Teaches present-moment awareness and acceptance.
   • Can help manage anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and emotional regulation.
   • Examples include Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
7. Pharmacotherapy:
   • Antidepressants (SSRIs) may be prescribed to manage depression and anxiety.
   • Anti-anxiety medications might be used for acute stress responses.
   • Should always be combined with psychotherapy for best results.

The best couples’ therapist should tailor the treatment to the individual’s/couple’s specific needs and circumstances. Often, a combination of these approaches may be used. The healing process can take time, and patience is crucial. The healing process may take anywhere from one to 2 years, with professional help. Professional guidance from a therapist experienced in trauma and infidelity issues is highly recommended for the most effective treatment.