Are the hairs on your back standing up? It can send chills up my spine. It seems we are always asking “Why am I having trust issues?” to ourselves and others.
We know what triggers our trust issues. That’s great. What really matters are our mental, emotional, and behavioral reactions.
In forty years I was blindfolded and stood in the middle of an 11-person circle. Two of them stood in front of me when the counselor called it.
It was my intention to fall backwards freely. I was trusting my spotters to protect me.
I couldn’t.
Trust issues
We all face trust issues at some point in our lives. Abuse, neglect, traumas, illnesses, broken promises and betrayals, criticisms, bullying, etc. are just a few of them.
For this article, I did not do any research. This is because I want you feel it. Making it personal is the only way to get you there.
Here’s a list of the trust issues that I have experienced, along with my responses and management approaches.
We’re all unique, I understand. But our similarities may surprise you. If you can find even a small thing to relate to, then we have done our job.
Triggers
I have always hoped those to whom I confide will be open-minded, listen to what I say, accept me and not judge.
The importance of agreeing to something has never been in doubt.
My hopes have been dashed far too often, even in my childhood, when they mattered. It wasn’t until I faced my trust issues that the triggers became apparent.
The response
Let’s connect some dots. We are aware that we have issues with trust and we also know what triggers them. That’s great. What really matters are our mental, emotional, and behavioral reactions.
How does the issue of triggered trust manifest itself?
These are my answers.
How do trust issues appear?
When we paint a picture of trust problems, we put emotional, mental and behavioral responses, i.e., how they express themselves, on canvas.
Isolation and resistance to opening are mine.
They’ve unfortunately cost me a lot over the years, in terms of relationships that have broken down or “could-have-been”, manifestations stress and tarnished confidence. It’s inevitable that the negative impact will be felt by current and future partners.
It has a lasting impact.
The anxiety and mood factor
For most of my life, I have struggled with anxiety and mood symptoms. You may have experienced similar symptoms.
They’re also a big factor in developing and expressing trust issues. If you look at my responses, such as resistance to opening up, isolation, you’ll see that they are linked to depression, anxiety, panic attacks and social anxiety.
By the way, it’s a mutually beneficial relationship. A lack of trust can worsen anxiety and mood symptoms.