Relationships After Trauma (Dating, Marriage, and Challenges)

Relationships after trauma are complicated - whether or not your trauma directly relates to an abusive relationship (whether it be emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse or sexual assault). So many of us struggle with either the reality or the idea of being in a romantic or intimate relationship. I did not believe that love was possible after what I experienced - until I met my (now) husband. But it was a long journey to build a healthy relationship, and here are some of the challenges that I personally faced.

Referenced Video:

#trauma #relationships #datingaftertrauma

PLAYLISTS!

Trauma Talk exists to let you know that you are not alone - and you are not weird. This channel is a community for exploration and discussion of life in the aftermath of trauma, be it sexual assault, domestic violence, emotional/mental/spiritual abuse, natural disasters, combat, or any other type of trauma. You are welcome here - and you're never alone.

DISCLAIMER:
I am not a therapist but am simply speaking from my experiences as a survivor and someone who has lived with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Please seek professional help if you are concerned for your mental or physical wellness or safety.

[TraumaTalk]

What is your biggest concern about being in a relationship?

[charlescromwelljr]

You saved me from walking away from the woman I love who suffers from PTSD. I didn't understand what it was or how to deal. Thank you.

[AmandaMBooks]

“I didn’t wanna walk with me through this journey, why would someone else?” YES. THIS AND ALL OF THIS. Wow, this is the first time someone’s truly put exactly how I feel into words. Thank you ❤

[celestemerryman]

I watch this video over and over again. I am in a relationship with a sexual assault survivor. Understanding relationship building is so much slower, it’s so challenging at times. This video helps me understand that our path is a path I am willing to keep on.

[netsec]

I’m on the other side as the patient one. Thank you for giving me help and hope. There are not many resources for those of us trying to love someone who has been traumatized. Please keep them coming!

[isabelstott]

this is amazing thanks so much. I have such a wonderful boyfriend now, and I always want to break up and run away because it feels easier to be alone than to accept real love after abuse x

[ryanliberty]

I'm going to cry 😭 this has to be one of my favorite videos ever! This speaks to so much of my story but you had the better outcome! But that's why I love it. All that came from what I went through was destruction and pain. This helps reassure me that people do figure it out. I hope one day maybe we can chat about it. Thank you so much for this one!! ❤ (ps I'm crying now lol)

[EvanElisabeth]

I can relate to this 100%. I have found someone who is absolutely incredible, and I truly never thought I deserved the type of love that he gives me. Of course there have been struggles, but your advice is something that everyone who has experienced anything similar deserves to hear. Thank you.

[cccwomensempowerment]

Childhood trauma can follow you for the rest of your life if you don't get professional help. It can destroy relationships and stop truly growing. Such a great video. ❤

[ceranko]

Great video. One of my female friends that Id like to have a relationship with is avoiding dating because she doesnt want her heart to be broken again after an abusive relationship. She thinks itsher fault and thinks thatit will happen to her again.

[dummydee]

I'm a DV survivor who is falling for someone for the first time since that relationship. Thank you. This video gives me hope. I've been crying for the last 2 days because I keep getting flash backs and am overall just scared of entering a new relationship. But the talking points you had helped me a lot right now. I kept getting in my head and thinking "but what if they don't care" and I have to step back and realize 1. I shouldn't be with someone who doesn't care, who doesn't want to help me, who is self evolved. And 2. The person I've started to like and think of as a potential partner does care, and has expressed that he understands already despite the fact that he only knows a very small percentage about the situation I was in. I needed to hear this. Thank you. I may need to rewarch this video for reassurance a time or several 🥰

[Lveislght]

Thank you so much for this video.
Physical trauma ended in 2016, yet I guess I haven't entirely healed from it yet.
Was recently in a 2 year relationship and I think my physical trauma responses might have made him run. This just brings up more of those old responses.. but I can heal. Thank you.

[alexoglitter]

I’m in a new relationship, & my memories are coming back I’m scared

[Gare]

Thank you so much for this video, it really sums how I feel at times. After a 3 year traumatic relationship I found the girl of my dreams a year later. I saw my ups and downs and triggers and felt so much shame and guilt but didn't know where it was coming from. I had lost me somehow somewhere. It wasn't until a counselor told me I had been manipulated, used and abused and I have ptsd that it all started making sense. Too late though as i have lost the girl of my dreams after 2 and a half years because I didn't have the answers and we both thought I was crazy. It's definitely difficult for both people in a relationship that unfortunately has someone dealing with this. Congrats on breaking free of its grips and embracing a wonderful future!

[metamorphosis]

Thank you so much for this. I left an abusive relationship after over a decade and I'm struggling to trust people and believe that there are people out there who will want all of you.

[ashleyshingleton]

This gives me hope. You named so many things that I am going through.

[benjimw]

Thanks so much for sharing! I'm currently exploring the possibility of a relationship with someone whose experience is similar to yours, and the things you mentioned here and in other videos have made a lot of sense based on what she and I have discussed so far.

[SacredFox]

I really needed this video. Thank you ❤

[therealzelda]

Your channel is really helping me articulate things I could never articulate. I’ve been on anti depressants and in therapy on and off for 6 years trying to fix myself but it’s so hard when you don’t even know how to say what I’m experiencing. I have completely ruined a relationship due to my trauma and I don’t know exactly where to go from here but at least I have the words to express myself now.

[squeezemylemon]

Thank you so so much. I'm not able to express just how much your videos have helped me get some understanding. Hope you're well!