Post Infidelity Stress Disorder: Symptoms & Treatment

You must have heard of post-traumatic stress disorder but have you ever heard of post infidelity stress disorder? Post infidelity stress disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that is developed because of being victim to infidelity in a relationship.

Being cheated on is a heartbreaking feeling and can be a reason behind a lot of your mental health issues like post infidelity stress disorder, betrayal trauma, etc. Knowing that your partner is not as emotionally invested in the relationship as you are is in itself a lot to deal with.

The feeling that the love you both share is not exclusive and makes way for insecurities and trust issues even after you’ve moved on and started seeing other people. Post infidelity stress disorder (PISD) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD are quite similar, in PTSD the stress is caused by trauma and in PISD the stress is caused by the act of infidelity.

Let’s understand post infidelity stress disorder better…

What Is Post Infidelity Stress Disorder?

Post infidelity stress disorder is a condition that causes stress, worry and anxiety in an individual after they have been cheated by their partner in a relationship. Infidelity is what causes stress and anxiety in this case.

Post infidelity is a type of anxiety disorder which makes a person feel extremely anxious after they have found out that their partner has been unfaithful and disloyal to them. Having your partner break your trust and cheat on you can have a huge impact on your mental as well as emotional well-being.

It traumatizes you, making you more stressed and anxious about the experience and the relationship you share with your partner. Did you know that according to a survey, almost 60% of people who have been cheated on have experienced symptoms of Post infidelity stress disorder.

Signs & Symptoms Of  Post Infidelity Stress Disorder

Post infidelity stress disorder may not be a recognised mental health condition but it does have some serious symptoms. Here are all the signs and symptoms of post infidelity stress disorder that (according to mental health professionals) you need to watch out for;

• Rumination: Have recurring thoughts about your partner’s infidelity
• Trauma recall: Experience painful memories, flashbacks, nightmares
• Avoidance: You try to avoid the entire incident as if it never happened
• Numbness: You might begin to feel numb or emotionless
• Anxiety: Experience several symptoms of anxiety and worry
• Depression: There might be a persistent or prolonged feeling of sadness
• Sleep disturbances: there are high chances of you sleep way too little or too much
• Trust issues: You will find it very difficult to trust your partner or others
• Withdrawal: You will try to isolate yourself or withdraw from the society
• Hypervigilance: You will become overly conscious about random things as well
• Relationship issues: Because of lack of trust, you’ll face relationship issues

Now do you know what post infidelity stress disorder looks like? If you recognise any of these signs of post infidelity stress disorder in your or someone you know, you must get some professional guidance and help.

Here’s all you need to know about the treatment for post infidelity stress disorder…

How To Treat Post Infidelity Stress Disorder?

Post infidelity stress disorder has a similar effect on a person’s mental health as post traumatic stress disorder. That’s why it is very important for you to get your post infidelity stress disorder treated properly from a licensed therapist or a mental health professional.

Here are a few treatment options available for post infidelity stress disorder;

• Cognitive restructuring: during cognitive restructuring you and your therapist will explore your thoughts, feeling and emotions that are triggering PISD and will try to switch them with adaptive thoughts, emotions and feelings.
• Trauma-informed care: through trauma-informed care you and your therapist will work through your feelings and thoughts about the infidelity and help you in gaining back your confidence and work on your insecurities.
• Family therapy: through family therapy you can all sit together and work through your issues caused by betrayal. It helps you and your family overcome the consequences of infidelity.
• Medicines: medication for post infidelity stress disorder include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, anticonvulsants. These can be taken alongside therapy for better results.

That’s all Folks!

I hope you found this blog about post infidelity stress disorder helpful, informative and interesting. Do share this blog with your friends and family so that they know what to expect after finding out about their partner’s betrayal and can easily recognise the symptoms of post infidelity stress disorder in someone they care about.

Thanks for reading.

Take care and stay safe.