5 Tips to Surviving the Holidays | BTR.ORG
btr.org

5 Tips To Surviving The Holidays

by | Boundaries, Self-Care

christmas betrayal trauma

For victims of betrayal and abuse, the holidays can be extremely triggering. Here are our five top tips to surviving the holidays when you’re suffering from betrayal trauma. 

5 Holidays Season Tips For Victims of Betrayal and Emotional Abuse

  1. Celebrate YOU. Holidays are typically shared with loved ones, but when your partner, or ex-partner is unfaithful and abusive, the holidays can be especially lonely. Rather than focusing on the loss of a marriage or the loss of love and intimacy within an abusive relationship, focus on celebrating yourself. Buy yourself a special gift, take a long bath, make a holiday food that you enjoy, spend time doing simple but healing activities that you enjoy.
  2. Write down your “Holiday Safety Needs” and share them with your support system. What do you need to feel safe this holiday season? Some women need to be exempt from holiday gatherings, some need extra support while their children are spending time with their abusive partner, others request that family and friends be willing to listen to and validate their feelings during rough moments. Whatever you need to feel safe can be communicated to others who will support you in your trauma.

Survive the Holidays By Getting In Touch With Yourself

3. Create new traditions. Many victims feel triggered by music, certain restaurants, even specific holiday decorations. Give yourself permission to purge triggering items, find new holiday music, and explore new places, creating new traditions for yourself as you begin your journey to healing.

4. Slow down and allow yourself to feel. When highly triggering situations arise, it is natural for trauma victims to try to drown out or numb out those feelings by ignoring them and staying busy. When you feel difficult emotions and painful memories coming to the surface, allow them to be expressed in healthy ways.

5. Join the Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group. The BTRG meets daily in every time zone and offers women a safe place to share their stories, process trauma, voice their difficult emotions, and ask important questions. Having a supportive group of victims who understand what you are going through can help make the holiday season less lonely and triggering.

Betrayal Trauma Recovery Supports Victims of Betrayal and Abuse

At BTR, we understand how difficult the holidays can be for victims of betrayal and abuse.

Know that there is a community of incredibly courageous women who are ready for you to join them and share the burden of your pain and grief.

Give yourself the gift of community and empowerment: join the Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group

You May Also Like

Heal The Trauma In your Body

Heal The Trauma In your Body

The trauma from sexual coercion, betrayal, emotional abuse, and gaslighting can wreck havoc in your body. Coach Denalee shares how to begin finding healing.

Is Your Husband Grooming You?

Is Your Husband Grooming You?

He says he’s changed. He’s made serious promises. But how do you know it’s real? Is your husband grooming you? Find out here.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

BTR.ORG Map

Emotional Safety is Possible

If you've been stuck in your husband's emotional & psychological abuse for years, these steps will help you end the chaos and feel peace.

Check your inbox for Your Next 3 Steps to emotional peace. Taking these steps can change your life! We'll be with you every step of the way.