Many people experience a trauma bond and don’t even realize it. A trauma bond can be immobilizing, preventing people from leaving a toxic relationship.
Risk Factors
You may be more susceptible to a trauma bond if the relationship between you and a caregiver was disrupted at an early age or you experienced an early childhood relationship trauma. The cycle often continues into adulthood.
It’s an Addiction
Trama bonds are addictive and the victim may feel they’re in love. The abuse and manipulation are often covert and victims may not realize what’s taking place.
7 Stages
The 7 stages of a trauma bond are:
- Love bonding
- Developing trust and dependence
- Criticism
- Gaslighting
- Resigning to control
- Loss of self
- Addiction to the cycle
Signs and Symptoms
You may be in a trauma bond if you:
- Overlook abuse to keep the relationship
- Make excuses for the abuser
- Lie to others about the abuse
- The thought of leaving makes you feel ill or panic
- Are fixated on the abuser’s every whim and appeasing them
- Adopt the abuser’s view of the relationship
- Have a deep sense of gratitude to the abuser
- Perceive others as an enemy if they encourage leaving
Fulfilling a Need
A trauma bond fulfills a need within the victim, typically the desire for love. Individuals are manipulated and gaslighted into thinking that the abuser is the only one who can fulfill their needs. The individual let’s down their guard, opening themselves to further manipulation.
Nowhere to Turn
Victims feel they have nowhere to turn for help. They lose self-esteem, feel ashamed, lonely, and depressed, isolated from family and friends.
Mental Health Help is Critical
A trauma bond is addictive and toxic. It’s absolutely essential that individuals seek the help of a mental health professional. He or she can help individuals understand the dynamics of the bond and how to break the cycle. Individuals can develop PTSD as a result of these relationships. A mental health expert can teach coping mechanisms and help people learn how to form beneficial and loving relationships.
Southcoast Psychiatric Services
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, feelings of hopelessness, relationship problems, or other pressures of life? Don’t suffer in silence. The doctors and therapists of Southcoast Psychiatric Services can help. Caring, compassionate, and completely confidential, our services are provided by highly-experienced, licensed, and board-certified healthcare professionals, dedicated to improving your health and wellness.
Whether you require medical treatment, counseling/psychotherapy, or both, we are happy to offer the best care available – at your convenience.
Call us anytime @ (561) 241-6628 Because you don’t have to suffer in silence.
