If you’ve lost trust in someone, here’s how to heal and move forward

Trust is a fragile thing, easily broken and difficult to rebuild. And once it’s been betrayed, it can feel impossible to recover from. But it’s not.

Moving forward after a breach of trust is tough, but not unachievable. It requires patience, understanding, and most importantly, the right approach.

In the following lines, I’ll be sharing with you some powerful strategies on how to heal and move forward if you’ve lost trust in someone. Trust me; it’s possible.

1) Acknowledging the breach

The first step to healing after losing trust in someone is acceptance.

It’s not unusual to feel a mixture of emotions when you’ve been betrayed. Anger, hurt, and confusion are all part of the package. This emotional turmoil can often cloud our judgment, making it hard to see the situation for what it is.

However, it’s crucial to understand that acknowledging the betrayal doesn’t mean you’re agreeing with it or that you deserved it. It simply means that you’re confirming that it happened and that it affected you.

Acknowledgement serves as a stepping stone towards understanding and dealing with the situation. It allows you to assess the damage, take stock of your feelings, and start planning your next steps.

Remember, acceptance isn’t about justifying the other person’s actions; it’s about giving yourself permission to feel hurt and validating your own experience. Only then can you truly begin to heal and move forward.

2) Taking time for self-care

In my own experience, I’ve found that taking care of yourself is essential when dealing with a trust breach.

When someone I deeply trusted betrayed me, my initial reaction was to blame myself. I felt like I had been naive and that it was my fault for trusting them in the first place.

It was only when I started prioritizing self-care that things began to shift. I took some time off, indulged in activities I love, reconnected with other loved ones, and started therapy. This gave me the strength and clarity to face the situation head-on.

Self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and spa days. It’s about giving yourself permission to feel your emotions, practice self-compassion, and prioritize your mental health. It’s about recognizing that you deserve to heal and move forward.

So if you’ve lost trust in someone, make sure to take time for yourself. It might just be the catalyst you need to start the healing process.

3) Seeking professional help

Therapists and counselors are trained to navigate complex emotions and can provide tools to help you deal with your feelings of betrayal. They can guide you through the process of healing in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

Interestingly, research shows that individuals who seek therapy after experiencing trust issues have a higher likelihood of overcoming the emotional trauma compared to those who don’t. This is because therapy provides a space for you to express your feelings freely, understand your reactions better, and learn how to rebuild your emotional strength.

So don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re struggling to move forward after losing trust in someone. It could be the key to your emotional recovery.

4) Setting boundaries

Setting boundaries is a crucial part of the healing process.

When you’ve lost trust in someone, it’s essential to reevaluate your relationship with that person and establish new rules to protect your emotional well-being. This could mean limiting your interactions or communication with them, or even cutting ties completely in some cases.

Boundaries not only provide a safe space for you to heal, but they also send a clear message to the other person about what is and isn’t acceptable behavior moving forward.

Remember, it’s your choice to decide what these boundaries look like. The most important thing is that they make you feel secure and aid in your journey towards healing.

5) Forgiveness is key

Forgiving someone who has broken your trust can feel like the hardest thing in the world. But it’s a crucial step in the healing process.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting what happened, or even reconciling with the person who hurt you. Instead, it’s about freeing yourself from the anger and resentment that holds you back from healing.

It’s a gift you give to yourself – a chance to let go of the bitterness and make peace with your past. It opens the door to healing and allows you to move forward with your life, unburdened by the weight of past hurts.

So, when you’re ready, try to find it in your heart to forgive. It may not be easy, but it will be worth it.

6) Embracing patience

Healing takes time, and I’ve learnt that it’s okay not to rush the process.

Once, in the aftermath of a major trust breach, I desperately wanted to move on quickly. However, my heart and mind weren’t in sync. I was still hurt and confused, and my attempts to fast-track my healing only led to more frustration.

It was then that I realized the importance of patience. Healing is not linear and there’s no set timeline for recovery. It’s a journey with ups and downs, and every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.

So be gentle with yourself. Allow yourself the time you need to heal, even if it takes longer than you’d like. Healing will come in its own time, and that’s okay.

7) Rebuilding trust

Rebuilding trust is not an overnight endeavor; it’s a gradual process that requires consistent effort and commitment.

It involves open and honest communication, demonstrating reliability over time, and showing empathy and understanding towards each other’s feelings. You’ll need to prove through your actions that you can be trusted again.

If the person who breached your trust is truly remorseful and willing to make amends, it can be possible to rebuild the trust that was lost. However, remember that it’s your choice whether or not you wish to give them this opportunity.

Trust once broken can be difficult to restore, but with patience and persistence, it is not impossible.

8) Remembering your worth

The most crucial thing to remember when you’ve lost trust in someone is that their actions do not define your worth. You are not at fault for their betrayal, and it doesn’t make you any less deserving of trust, respect, and love.

You are valuable just as you are, and it’s important to hold onto this truth as you navigate through the healing process. Carry this knowledge with you as a reminder that you are more than the pain you’ve experienced and that you have the strength to move forward.

Final thoughts: Healing is a journey

At the heart of healing from a breach of trust lies the understanding that it’s a journey, not a destination.

Renowned author and speaker, Brene Brown once said, “Trust is earned in the smallest of moments.” It’s in these moments that we learn, grow and find the strength to move forward.

When you’ve lost trust in someone, remember that it’s okay to feel hurt. It’s okay to take time for yourself. And it’s okay to seek help. What’s most important is that you remember your worth and know that you deserve to heal.

The road to recovery may be long and winding, but with each step you take, know that you are moving forward. You’re not just surviving; you’re learning how to thrive in spite of the hurt.

So as you embark on this journey, remember: Healing is not about getting back to where you were before the betrayal. It’s about growing stronger and wiser, and moving forward towards a future where trust can once again find its place.