Trauma has a way of intertwining itself into every aspect of life, wreaking havoc on relationships, work environments, and more. One of the most notable aspects of trauma is that it can interfere with the way that we connect with others, shaping unhealthy communication patterns and affecting intimacy. Understanding how trauma affects communication and relationships can give everyone involved a better vantage point, providing valuable insights and strategies for successfully navigating such challenges. Lighthouse Healing Center is to share more about trauma and how it affects interpersonal relationships and communication.
How Do Traumatic Experiences Affect Relationships?
To fully understand how trauma affects relationships, it’s important to first look at the impact of trauma on the individual. Past trauma can deeply affect how the sufferer views the world, themselves, and those around them, including their loved ones. It can also create depression, anxiety, substance abuse, hypervigilance, avoidant tendencies, and difficulty with trusting others.
These scars can lead to various hidden effects of trauma in relationships, as well as many that are in plain sight. Family and intimate partners most often bear the brunt of trauma’s impact on relationships, especially unresolved trauma, as they attempt to navigate interpersonal interactions with someone who has a different perspective on life. Attachment tends to be difficult for those who have faced trauma, causing a heightened fear of abandonment and the tendency to push others away or become too clingy and enmeshed. Additionally, trauma survivors often have difficulty with emotional regulation, regularly swinging between highly moody states quickly. This makes it hard for the individual to work through conflicts effectively, instead irrationally responding to conflict or avoiding it completely, leaving it unresolved. One of the most impactful effects of trauma on relationships is that trauma survivors struggle greatly with trust and intimacy. This can make it incredibly difficult for them to let their guard down, trust their partner, and believe in the longevity and potential of the relationship. Compounding all these challenges is the fact that trauma survivors struggle to communicate effectively and develop healthy communication patterns.
Why Is Trauma A Barrier To Communication?
Childhood trauma and communication skills do not go hand in hand. Whether the trauma occurred as a child, teen, or adult, trauma survivors often have difficulty expressing their emotions, needs, and wants. Conflict resolution poses a great challenge and in many disagreements, they don’t say what they really think or need, or they overreact emotionally. This leaves many conflicts unresolved and builds a wedge between partners. Those who have endured trauma also often struggle to set healthy boundaries and create a safe space for themselves and/or their relationship. This can cause resentment and the sense that their needs are not being met by their partner.
Professional Support & Strategies for Improving Relationships
With all that said, there is hope for couples and family members who have a trauma survivor in their circle! The effects of trauma are not insurmountable and with patience, support, and empathy, faulty communication, stress, intimacy, and trust issues can be resolved. By addressing the trauma, developing coping strategies, and learning healthy communication patterns, couples and loved ones can move toward a brighter future. One of the most effective methods of building healthy relationships for trauma survivors is guidance from a therapist or counselor at Lighthouse Healing Center. Our support groups and couples therapy sessions can significantly help communication and increase intimacy for those residing in Mississippi. Embark on a journey of healing and growth, forging stronger and more resilient relationships in the process. Lighthouse Healing Center is here to help!
