Living through traumatic events may result in expectations of danger, betrayal, or potential harm within new or old relationships. Survivors may feel vulnerable and confused about what is safe, and therefore it may be difficult to trust others, even those whom they trusted in the past.

What trauma does to relationships?

Survivors of trauma can constantly feel intense emotions and have difficulty with trusting people. Relationships and intimacy can often feel unattainable for trauma survivors. They fear becoming close with another person after a traumatic event, or they may feel like a burden to those around them.

How does unresolved trauma affect relationships?

In the context of a relationship, someone with unresolved trauma may be most likely to dissociate whenever issues or feelings arise that are uncomfortable for them to bear, such as times of strain or conflict. They may appear out of touch, spaced-out or even cold and aloof.