Trauma & relationships

So much of what I do at One with Breath starts with trauma. What began as a journey to heal my own trauma has evolved into helping others heal theirs. Trauma can affect all aspects of our health, and can often lead us into toxic relationships or causing us to run from healthy ones.

In this post, we delve into the effects of trauma and triggers on our relationships, the distinction between trauma bonds and genuine love, and the crucial journey of healing together.

With so many of us having experienced trauma in our lives, it is more important than ever to recognise it in ourselves and each other. This awareness allows us to heal individually, heal together, and give our relationships a better chance.

Triggers

When we get triggered, we aren't our true selves. We become who we think we need to be to survive. Relationships that constantly trigger us can cause our identity to fade, as our values and personality are overshadowed by survival instincts.

Trauma bonds

It's important for us to be be able to tell the difference between a trauma bond and genuine love.

Trauma bonds form from repeated cycles of intense emotional experiences, where periods of abuse are followed by periods of kindness.

Genuine love

Love is a healthy bond built on trust, respect, and understanding. Instead of butterflies and chaos, it should be a safe place for each other.

Love should bring you peace of mind and reassurance; it should be calm, patient, and understanding.

Healing

The right person isn't perfectly healed but they are ready to heal with you. They will heal themselves as they watch you heal and will make time and space for you as you do for them. They become your partner in the journey of healing, inner work, and growth.

Recognising and addressing trauma, understanding the impact of triggers, distinguishing between trauma bonds and genuine love, and committing to healing are all steps toward building healthier, stronger relationships.