Introduction

“Am I going crazy?” is a question many people ask themselves when grappling with overwhelming emotions and distressing symptoms. This self-doubt is particularly common among individuals who have experienced relational trauma. If you’ve been feeling disconnected, anxious, or emotionally overwhelmed, it’s important to understand that these symptoms are not signs of insanity. Instead, they are your mind and body’s natural responses to trauma. This blog delves into the effects of relational trauma and how therapy can help you reclaim your mental health and well-being.

The Impact of Relational Trauma on Mental Health

Relational trauma occurs when significant relationships, such as those with family members or romantic partners, are characterized by emotional abuse, neglect, or inconsistency. These experiences can profoundly affect your mental health, leading to symptoms that may make you feel like you’re losing touch with reality.

When relational trauma has been a big part of someone’s life, memory can be overridden by symptoms that give strong indications our processing system is under pressure and needs a little time out for repair. By identifying what these symptoms are trying to express, we can understand our internal processes at a much higher level. This way, our self-awareness becomes more efficient and effective. We can observe ourselves and put in place much-needed self-care and boundaries where in the past we may have learned to ignore our own personal needs in favour of submitting to the relational world around us to survive.

Recognizing Symptoms of Relational Trauma

Therapy gives us the chance to create a reflective capacity. By this, we mean being more closely attuned to the way we think and respond, more accountable to ourselves for how we view our world, and more able to put healthy boundaries around us to protect both our mental and physical health, which are intrinsically linked.

Some symptoms you might notice when overriding your own needs include:

• Depression and Anxiety: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and heightened anxiety are common.
• Loss of Interest: A diminished interest in activities once enjoyed.
• Memory Issues and Brain Fog: Difficulty concentrating or remembering things.
• Fatigue and Myalgia: Chronic tiredness and muscle pain.
• Sleep Difficulties: Trouble falling or staying asleep, or experiencing nightmares.
• Chronic Pain and Emotional Overwhelm: Persistent physical pain and feeling emotionally overloaded.
• Dissociation: Feeling detached from your mind or body, as if you’re observing yourself from the outside.
• Self-Destructive Behaviors: Engaging in harmful actions or thoughts.

None of these are signs that ‘we are going crazy’; they are, in fact, very normal symptoms in response to exposure to not-so-normal circumstances.

The Role of Therapy in Healing

Setting healthy boundaries can mean learning to say no for the benefit of our mental and physical health. It helps to know that saying “No” is to the request and not the person.

Therapy provides a safe space to explore these symptoms and their origins. By working with a trauma-informed therapist, you can develop a better understanding of your experiences and learn effective coping strategies. Therapy helps you:

• Create Reflective Capacity: Become more attuned to your thoughts and responses, and hold yourself accountable for how you view the world.
• Set Healthy Boundaries: Learn to protect your mental and physical health by establishing limits.
• Improve Self-Care: Develop strategies to prioritize your needs and well-being.
• Process Trauma: Work through past experiences to reduce their impact on your current mental health.
• Enhance Self-Awareness: Gain insights into your internal processes and how to manage them effectively.

Conclusion

If you’re struggling with symptoms of relational trauma, it’s crucial to remember that you are not going crazy. These responses are your mind and body’s way of coping with past experiences. By seeking therapy, you can begin to understand these symptoms, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and ultimately reclaim your sense of self and well-being. Remember, healing is a journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone. Reach out for support and take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life.