What is Trauma?
Trauma refers to an experience that causes significant mental and physical stress and can result in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) if left untreated. It can be caused by various events such as natural disasters, accidents, warfare, sexual assault, abuse, combat, terrorist attacks, death of a loved one, serious illnesses, etc.
How does Trauma Affect Couples?
When one partner experiences trauma, it often has a profound impact on their worldview, values, and emotional expression. This can lead to changes in communication patterns, behavior, and intimacy between partners. The survivor may feel isolated, anxious, depressed, and unable to connect emotionally with their partner. They might become less interested in sex or have difficulty achieving orgasm. There could also be trust issues due to betrayal or abandonment. These factors put strain on the relationship and make it challenging for couples to reconstruct shared meaning without proper support.
Rebuilding Shared Meaning
To rebuild shared meaning after trauma, both partners need to communicate openly and honestly about their feelings. They must acknowledge each other's pain and validate each other's experiences while respecting different perspectives on what happened. Both parties should seek professional help from qualified therapists who can guide them through the healing process. This will create a safe space where they can express themselves freely and work towards mutual understanding. Couples should focus on building trust again by engaging in activities that promote closeness and connection like quality time together, romantic gestures, physical affection, and honesty about personal thoughts and feelings.
Finding ways to celebrate small victories helps strengthen the bond between them.
Trauma is a complex issue affecting many aspects of life, including relationships. By being patient, communicative, and supportive, couples can navigate this difficult time together and find new ways of connecting based on their changed realities. With time and effort, it is possible for those affected by trauma to regain emotional stability and restore harmony within their relationships.
How do couples reconstruct shared meaning after one partner's trauma fundamentally alters their worldview, values, or emotional expression?
Some couples may struggle to find common ground after a life-altering event that has changed one partner's view of themselves or the world. This can lead to misunderstandings and feelings of disconnection. To overcome this, it is essential for both partners to be open and honest about how they are feeling and what changes have occurred within them since the event. They should also strive to create space for each other to process these shifts without judgment and seek out counseling if necessary.