Being cheated on can have significant emotional and psychological impacts that can last for a long time. What are the physical effects of being cheated on?

What are the physical effects of being cheated on?

Investigating The Physical Effects Of Betrayal

According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, up to 41% of marriages in America have been affected by infidelity at some point (American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 2019). This statistic serves as an eye-opening reminder that cheating can have serious repercussions beyond just emotional destruction. In fact, physical effects associated with betrayal often manifest due to a complex interplay between psychological distress and physiological responses such as insomnia or even changes in appetite.

Studies suggest that when people are betrayed it triggers a stress response which leads to increased cortisol production leading to fatigue, headaches, and other bodily discomfort (Kelly & Conley, 1987). Furthermore, issues like muscle tension may arise from chronic worrying about one’s partner’s activities outside of the relationship resulting in further physical symptoms like gastrointestinal problems or general malaise (Canfield et al., 2019). What’s more, those who cheat themselves can also experience physical reactions stemming from guilt or shame experienced after being confronted either directly or indirectly by their partner. Such feelings generally lead to heightened anxiety levels thus making them feel on edge all throughout the day regardless of where they go or what type of situation they find themselves in.

It appears then that not only does cheating come with its own set of mental health concerns but physical ones too; betraying someone else has far-reaching consequences both externally and internally.

TIP: It is important then for couples facing this issue together to take time out from any conflict-related discussions so as to give each other space while still addressing underlying issues causing strife within their relationship in healthy ways preventing further damage to be done.

Some of the physical effects of being cheated on may include:

Physical effects of being cheated on

1. Stress and anxiety:

   Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue are often a direct result of the mental and emotional strain brought on by cheating.

   How does cheating affect the brain?

   Both the one who cheats and the one who is cheated on might suffer serious mental health consequences as a result of their actions.

   The thrill of deceit may cause a surge of pleasure and excitement in the brain of the cheater. Dopamine, a chemical linked with reward and pleasure, is what sets off this wave of happiness. The subsequent feelings of guilt, humiliation, and regret, however, can trigger the brain’s stress response and cause the release of cortisol and other stress hormones, counteracting the original surge.

   Betrayal hurt, and astonishment is all possible mental responses for the cheated-on individual. As a result, hormones like oxytocin and endorphins—which are linked to emotional pain—may be released into the brain. Anxiety and depression can cause the body to release cortisol and other stress hormones in reaction to a perceived threat, which can lead to a downward spiral of negative emotions.

   Changes in the brain’s ability to absorb and control emotions may occur in both the cheater and the person cheated on, which may have long-term consequences for their ability to develop healthy relationships in the future. Additionally, the brain is a very adaptable and malleable organ. It’s crucial to get help processing the emotions that come along with the pain of infidelity, but people can learn to cope with it.

   The capacity to trust others and establish attachments is a critical part of maintaining good relationships, and being cheated on may negatively impact both. Being betrayed might make you doubt your own sanity and make it hard to trust others in the future.

   Individuals may need professional assistance in order to process and cope with their feelings, recover their ability to trust and develop healthy attachments and move on from the trauma of infidelity.

2. Insomnia:

   The person who has been betrayed may have trouble sleeping because they can’t stop thinking about it.

3. Loss of appetite:

   Intense emotional stress, such as that caused by discovering your partner has been cheating, has been linked to decreased appetite and subsequent weight loss.

4. Heart problems: 

   Heart problems Being betrayed can cause stress and emotional distress, both of which can put a strain on the heart and increase the risk of heart problems.

5. Reduction in immune function:

   Being under stress for an extended period of time can wear down the body’s defenses, leaving the individual more vulnerable to illness.

6. Depression:

   Physical symptoms of depression include fatigue, changes in appetite and weight, and a lack of interest in daily activities, all of which can stem from the emotional pain of having been cheated on.

7. Abuse of drugs and alcohol:

   Some people may use these substances to dull the emotional pain of being cheated on, which can lead to addiction and other health issues.

8. Gastrointestinal problems: 

   Problems with the gastrointestinal tract Emotional stress can also have an effect on the digestive system, which can result in symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, and diarrhea.

9. Headaches:

   Migraines, tension headaches, and headaches are all types of headaches that can be caused by continual stress and anxiety.

10. Problems with the skin:

    The stress response in the body can also manifest in the skin, causing illnesses such as eczema, psoriasis, or hives.

11. Sexual dysfunction:

    The stress of being cheated on can lead to sexual dysfunction, such as a loss of libido or difficulties being sexually aroused. Sexual dysfunction can be caused by being cheated on.

12. Chronic fatigue:

    Chronic tiredness can be caused by the emotional and physical stress that comes with being cheated on. This stress can make it difficult for a person to have undisturbed sleep, which in turn can cause chronic fatigue.

13. Abuse of substances:

    Some people may turn to drinking or drugs as a means of coping with the emotional pain of having their partner cheat on them, which can lead to addiction as well as other physical health problems.

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How does infidelity affect the family?

Infidelity is destructive to marriage in so many different ways that it threatens its very existence. In a marriage, it can bring feelings of sadness and devastation, feelings of loneliness and betrayal, as well as perplexity for one or both partners. Some marriages dissolve after an affair. Others make it through, growing both stronger and closer to one another. infidelity can affect each family member differently and the impact can vary depending on the individual’s coping mechanisms, support system, and overall mental and physical health. Both emotionally and practically, iNfidelity may have a devastating effect on the family unit. Infidelity can have a variety of negative effects on a family, including the following:

1. Emotional distress:

   Exposure of an adulterous affair can result in psychological distress for all members of the family, including feelings of betrayal, anger, despair, and hurt.

2. Problems with trust:

   Unfaithfulness can make it difficult for a person to trust others, both inside and outside of their family, and this can create problems within the family.

3. Breakdowns in communication:

   Infidelity can lead to breakdowns in communication within the family, since members of the family may be unwilling to talk about the affair or may avoid one other altogether.

4. Stress on your finances:

   Being unfaithful to your partner can put a burden on your finances, especially if it leads to the dissolution of your marriage or separation.

5. Parenting Issues

   Problems with parenting can arise as a direct result of infidelity, particularly if the affair leads to the dissolution of the marriage or the separation of the parents. Children who are moved to a new home may have trouble adjusting to their new surroundings and may suffer from emotions of abandonment.

6. Psychological strain:

   Infidelity can put a strain on everyone in the family’s mental health, and this is especially true if it leads to a divorce or separation as a consequence of the affair. It’s not uncommon for members of a family to battle things like anxiety and sadness.

7. Legal complications:

   Infidelity can result in legal complications, particularly if it leads to the dissolution of the marriage or separation. There is a possibility that members of the family will have to negotiate contentious matters like child custody, the distribution of assets, and alimony.

8. Isolation from one’s peers:

   Infidelity can result in members of a couple’s family withdrawing from social activities out of embarrassment or reluctance to interact with others in public.

What infidelity does to a person?
How does infidelity affect a woman?
How does infidelity affect the brain?

Read also: What does Betrayal do to a person? – effect of iNfidelity

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Read also: What are the Triggers following betrayal

Women in particular have been found to dwell on the affair, according to studies. That is, they tend to dwell on what went wrong and why it happened over and over again. A relationship is less likely to be saved when one partner dwells excessively on what went wrong.

It is important to remember that everyone reacts differently to being cheated on, and the long-term effects will vary from person to person. If you are struggling with the aftermath of infidelity, it may be helpful to seek the support of a therapist or iNfidelity Counselor who can help you work through your emotions and find healthy ways to cope. One’s emotional and physical health can take a serious hit when one discovers their partner has been unfaithful, so it’s crucial to get help if you feel you need it after experiencing infidelity.