Trauma disrupts our sense of security, shaking the foundation of how we relate to ourselves and others. When individuals experience trauma, their brain’s fight-or-flight response may become overactive, leading to heightened vigilance and difficulty trusting the world around them. This fractured sense of safety can profoundly impact attachment—the emotional bonds formed with others—rooted in our earliest experiences of care and connection.
Without a stable internal sense of security, individuals may struggle to form healthy relationships. For example, trauma survivors often oscillate between fear of abandonment and fear of intimacy, leading to patterns of emotional withdrawal or over-dependence. Misinterpreting others’ intentions or difficulty regulating emotions may result in conflict, further straining relationships.
Healing from trauma involves rebuilding a sense of safety, often through therapy or supportive relationships where trust can be gradually restored. By addressing the underlying wounds, individuals can develop healthier attachment patterns and experience deeper, more fulfilling connections. Understanding trauma’s impact is the first step toward healing and reclaiming a life rooted in trust and connection.