How long does infidelity trauma last?

Right now, learning that it takes an average of 2 to 5 years to get over the pain of infidelity may seem impossible. How could you ever get over such a betrayal? Yes, recovering from such a blow is going to take a long time, but there are actions, such as therapy, that can facilitate recovery and save your marriage.


How long does it take to get over shock of infidelity?

There is no set time for affair recovery.

However, there can be a period of healing. During this time, you and your spouse will take specific steps towards healing. Even better, this period is not even that long. Most of it can take anywhere between 8-10 weeks.

Does infidelity pain ever go away?

It's absolutely possible to heal from infidelity. Although the pain and grief can be intense, it's also possible to work on the relationship so that you and your partner are able to move on.


How long does it take to heal from betrayal trauma?

Recovering from betrayal trauma is not something that can be done in a day or two. On average, it usually takes between eighteen months to three years to absolutely recover, especially with a lot of help and moral support.

Can you be traumatized by infidelity?

Infidelity can be traumatic, causing intensely painful emotions for the person who was cheated on. They may actually experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including heightened anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and emotional distress.


11 Symptoms of Post Infidelity Stress Disorder and Strategies for Recovery



What kind of trauma does being cheated on cause?

And this is not your fault. Research shows that betrayed partners, after learning that their significant other has strayed, typically experience stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms characteristic of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

How do I let go of cheating trauma?

Beginning the recovery process
  1. Acknowledge instead of avoid. Healing often requires you to first come to terms with what happened. ...
  2. Practice accepting difficult emotions. Plenty of unpleasant emotions can show up in the aftermath of betrayal. ...
  3. Turn to others for support. ...
  4. Focus on what you need.


How do I stop overthinking after cheating?

15 Ways to Stop Overthinking After Being Cheated On
  1. Find Out Why You're Overthinking. Thinking seriously about why you're overthinking is important. ...
  2. Lean On Social Support. ...
  3. Work on Trust Issues. ...
  4. Practice Mindfulness. ...
  5. Try a New Environment. ...
  6. Acceptance. ...
  7. Work on Yourself. ...
  8. Positive Self-Talk.


What are the 5 stages of betrayal?

Stages of Betrayal Trauma
  • Shock. The first stage of betrayal trauma is often shock and disbelief. ...
  • Denial. The denial stage is when the person tries to push away what has happened and pretend it didn't happen. ...
  • Obsession. ...
  • Anger. ...
  • Bargaining. ...
  • Depression. ...
  • Acceptance.


What are the long term effects of being cheated on?

Infidelity can have lasting impacts on partners and children the couple may have. Grief, brain changes, behaviors down the road, and mental health conditions such as anxiety, chronic stress, and depression can result.

What should you not do after infidelity?

The 7 Deadly Sins: What Not To Do After an Affair
  • Tell Your Entire Family & All Your Friends. ...
  • Blast Your Partner on Social Media. ...
  • Make Life Altering Decisions. ...
  • Place All Blame on The Other Affair Partner. ...
  • Obsess Over the Other Affair Partner. ...
  • Blame Yourself. ...
  • Think You Can Recover On Your Own.


Do you ever fully recover from infidelity?

Recovering from an affair will be one of the most challenging chapters in your life. This challenge may come with ambivalence and uncertainty. However, as you rebuild trust, admit guilt, learn how to forgive and reconcile struggles, it can deepen and strengthen the love and affection we all desire.

What are the stages of healing from infidelity?

Working through an affair is tough. It takes tremendous energy and vulnerability on both sides. Drs. John and Julie Gottman have developed the Trust Revival Method, with three defined stages of treatment: Atonement, Attunement, and Attachment.

What are common behaviors after a betrayal?

Symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares and impaired sleeping, depression, anxiety, brain fog, distrust, dissociation, are common. Betrayed partners often feel as if their reality has been shaken to its core.


How long does hurt from betrayal last?

Recovering from betrayal trauma is not something you can rush through in a day or two. It takes between eighteen months to three years for most people to fully recover.

What are betrayal trauma triggers?

A betrayal trauma trigger happens when a woman's brain picks up on something that reminds the protective part of herself, of the abuse. This is a defense mechanism that is meant to keep her safe from further abuse.

How do I find peace after being cheated on?

  1. Work Through Your Feelings.
  2. Don't Blame Yourself.
  3. Don't Live in the Past.
  4. Think About What You Want.
  5. Take Care of Yourself.
  6. Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help.


How many marriages survive infidelity?

Close to 25% of marriages stay together after an instance of cheating. And more men than women stay married when they are the cheating partner (61% vs 44%).

Why am I so insecure after being cheated on?

It's perfectly normal to feel insecure after someone cheats on you. Whether infidelity ended your relationship or you're trying to work through it with your significant other, there are bound to be trust issues down the road, and that's okay.

Can you have PTSD from infidelity?

It is possible you could be experiencing post infidelity stress disorder (PISD), which is similar to the symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. After all, both conditions will involve trauma and a threat to your emotional security and wellbeing.


Why is infidelity so traumatic?

Just like in someone who's been to war, infidelity PTSD literally changes your physiological makeup. Your body goes into “fight or flight” mode because the emotional bonds with your spouse have been threatened. Your sense of safety is jeopardized.

What betrayal trauma feels like?

Betrayal Trauma is unique in that it involves the intense feelings of shame associated with the act of being abused or violated. Therefore if you have experienced betrayal trauma you may suffer from: Shame, guilt and self-blame. Depression.

What cheating says about a person?

The most important thing to remember is what cheating says about a person. They're insecure, impulsive, selfish, and immature. Sometimes, it's a chronic problem that likely won't ever be fixed, just be sure not to ignore the warning signs.


Can infidelity cause brain damage?

Being cheated on can physically impact your brain

Our brains release more oxytocin and dopamine when we are happily in love, and infidelity can obstruct the neural connections that lead to this release. Trauma alters both the structure and chemistry of the brain, which might start to have an impact on daily activities.

What percent of couples stay together after infidelity?

How Many Couples Stay Together After an Affair? In one study, researchers found that with instances of secret infidelity, only about 20% of couples were still married after 5 years. However, for couples who revealed infidelity, that percentage jumped to 57%.