Overall, our current state of knowledge is that research shows that infidelity can negatively affect a partner in a variety of ways. Some of these effects could include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (in some extreme cases), decreased self-esteem, attachment problems, and more. You are experiencing a real loss and need time to grieve, just as anyone who has lost something so important to them needs to grieve. The good news is that this level of anxiety is justified, you are in an unstable situation, which is what causes anxiety.
But if it continues long after you've sat down again, then you probably need to check it out. In the meantime, why don't you consider researching some techniques to help you live with anxiety and how to calm yourself down to reduce the impact and make you feel in control? Unfortunately, infidelity has several long-term effects that can affect a person long after they have stopped cheating. These can change your life and lead to the development of certain mental health conditions, such as chronic depression, anxiety, post-infidelity stress disorder, and trauma from betrayal. Research shows that love and drugs produce similar effects in the brain through the release of dopamine.2 Dopamine is linked to feelings of gratification and pleasure, and can be highly addictive.
When a person experiences infidelity and feelings of rejection, their brain chemistry can be altered; they may even have withdrawal-like symptoms, 2 Research indicates that many people suffer trauma after discovering infidelity and may experience post-infidelity stress disorder (PISD). In addition, a person experiences unique changes in their brain that occur when they perceive their partner's rejection,3,4 If a child learns of a parent's betrayal, they may side with the parent who was cheated on. Studies indicate that children who witness infidelity are twice as likely to be unfaithful themselves. Children may also experience trust issues with their future romantic partners, as well as imitate the infidelity that has been modeled on them.
5 When this happens, cheating can become an inherited problem. Individual therapy: Whether you're trying to move on or rebuild a relationship, a licensed BetterHelp therapist can guide you. BetterHelp has more than 20,000 licensed therapists who offer convenient and affordable online therapy. Visit BetterHelp OurRelationship (free course for couples): OurRelationship has been proven to help couples improve communication, intimacy and trust.
Start Weiser, D. Family history and propensity to infidelity. Journal of Family Issues, 38, (1.Long after someone has been unfaithful, they are more likely to experience anxiety and depression, among other mental health problems. The emotional, psychological, and mental trauma of being deceived can extend to a person's life long after the infidelity has occurred and can manifest itself in clinical illnesses.
You're completely concerned about your partner's infidelity; sometimes it feels like you can't think of anything else. You develop greater vigilance around your partner's actions, comings and goings, and their activity on their phone and computer. If only you could stop thinking about the scenarios and imagine your partner with someone else. Reminders of infidelity can cause physical reactions such as nausea, increased heart rate, tremors, and sweating.
While there's no foolproof way to determine if or when someone will cheat on their partner, there are several common consequences of being the person being cheated on. There is no particular order in which you may experience some of the psychological effects of a cheating spouse and you may not experience them all, but self-blame is a common consequence of infidelity.
