Betrayal Trauma can impact Productivity

Betrayal is the perception of being harmed by the deliberate actions or omissions of a person with whom one has established a trust. It never comes from enemies.

 The most prevalent forms of betrayal include the harmful disclosure of confidential information, disloyalty, infidelity, and dishonesty. These actions can be profoundly traumatic and cause significant emotional distress.

Often referred to as “betrayal trauma,” the impact of such an act can be considered a traumatic event for the individual experiencing it. 

EFFECTS OF BETRAYAL:

 Betrayal can have a significant and detrimental impact on your productivity. The emotional distress it causes can lead to a decline in focus, motivation, and overall energy levels, making it difficult to perform tasks effectively in both professional and personal settings. Essentially, the emotional turmoil can divert one’s attention away from their responsibilities. 

• The consequences of betrayal encompass a range of emotional responses, including shock, profound loss, and grief. These emotional reactions can lead to morbid preoccupation, diminished self-esteem, self-doubt, suicidal ideation and feelings of anger. Notably, betrayal can have significant and transformative effects on an individual’s life, clouding clear reasoning with negative emotions and severely impacting productivity in all spheres.

• The consequences of a catastrophic betrayal are particularly pertinent to anxiety disorders, depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

• Betrayal can lead to mental contamination, and the perpetrator often becomes a source of contamination. In a series of experiments it was demonstrated that feelings of mental contamination can be aroused by imagining unacceptable non-consensual acts.

KEY POINTS ABOUT BETRAYAL IN MENTAL HEALTH:

• IMPACT ON TRUST:

Betrayal primarily leads to a profound loss of trust, making it challenging to establish healthy relationships in the future. Depending on the situation, it might lead to social withdrawal where the victim withdraws from colleagues or social interactions, hindering useful collaboration and communication at work, school, in the family, at religious gatherings and so on.

• EMOTIONAL DISTRESS:

Betrayal can evoke a diverse spectrum of adverse emotions, encompassing anger, sadness, shock, disbelief, guilt, and apprehension. These feelings can consume your thoughts, making it hard to concentrate on work and complete tasks efficiently due to reduced motivation.

• MENTAL HEALTH CONSEQUENCES:

Depending on the severity of the betrayal, individuals may experience a range of symptoms, including anger, anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and social withdrawal which can lead to suicidal ideation.

• BETRAYAL TRAUMA THEORY:

This psychological concept, developed by Jennifer Freyd, elucidates how betrayal can be particularly detrimental when it transpires within a relationship where the victim places significant trust and reliance on the betrayer for support. 

• PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS:
  The body stores trauma - including betrayal trauma and it can manifest physically through lack of appetite or constant hunger, fatigue, unexplained fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and sleep disturbances, further impacting your ability to work productively and relate with family and friends.
  

SOME SITUATIONS THAT CAN LEAD TO BETRAYAL TRAUMA:

• Infidelity in a romantic relationship. 

• Abuse or neglect from a caregiver. 

• Significant lies or deception from a close friend.

• Broken promises within a professional setting. 

COPING WITH BETRAYAL TRAUMA: 

 1. SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP:

Therapy plays a pivotal role in processing the emotional aftermath of betrayal and fostering the development of effective coping strategies. 

 2. BUILD A SUPPORT SYSTEM:

Seek emotional support from trusted friends and family members. 

 3. PRACTICE SELF-CARE:

Incorporate activities that foster relaxation and overall well-being into your daily routine, such as exercise, meditation, and maintaining a balanced diet. 

 4. SET HEALTHY BOUNDARIES:

Develop the ability to recognize and effectively manage situations that may compromise trust.

 5. FORGIVENESS:

It is regarded as the process of releasing resentment and bitterness towards an individual who has caused harm. By allowing individuals to move forward from past hurts and embrace a more peaceful mindset, this practice can have a profound positive  impact on your mental well-being.

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The Writer, Ukamaka Chimeremeze Gloria is a volunteer Mental Health worker at Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation.