You might also feel betrayed if your significant other didn’t defend you in an argument with others.
Or maybe your best friend didn’t reach out to you when they knew you were feeling down.
Feeling betrayed can lead to a flurry of complex emotions, which may be difficult to manage.
Katleho Seisa / Getty Images
Some may feel betrayed by larger institutions like the government or the healthcare system.
Despite the many forms of betrayal, this article will focus on betrayal in personal relationships.
Romantic Partner Betrayal
It is painful when your significant other does something to hurt you.
Their action likely will make you feelvulnerableas you counted on that person to be there for you.
A romantic partners betrayal is deemed to be a form of interpersonal trauma.
The effects of your partners actions are clinically significant.
Betrayal trauma can also affectself-esteem, lead todistrustin relationships, and cause mental health challenges.
If your partner cheated on you, abused you, orghosted you, you may feel betrayed.
You might also feel betrayed if they don’t prioritize you or you find that they’re repeatedly unreliable.
Friendship Betrayal
Friends are important for our physical and mental health.
Their caring can reduce stress levels and give us a sense of belonging.
When a friend crosses the line, their betrayal can be devastating.
In these situations, you’ll expect your closest friends to be there for you.
Family Betrayal
Family loveis the foundation for yoursecure attachments.
Not having foundational nurturing can lead to long-term damage.
Uninvolved parentswho are grappling with substance abuse,alcoholismor mental health problems may end up neglecting their children.
That lack of emotional responsiveness can have negative consequences for their children.
Should You End the Relationship?
You shouldn’t feel pressured to keep a relationship that doesn’t bring you joy.
Therapists who specialize in trauma can help you heal from the betrayal as well.
Professionals can often help you cope with and overcome the betrayal more quickly than trying to do it alone.
Lonergan M, Brunet A, Rivest-Beauregard M, Groleau D.Is romantic partner betrayal a form of traumatic experience?
A qualitative study.Stress Health.
