Discovering that your partner is involved in an extramarital relationship can feel like your whole world has collapsed. When the betrayal involves someone close to the family, the pain is even more intense. You may feel shocked, broken, angry, or hopeless. Some people even start thinking life is not worth living. If you are going through this, please know: you are not alone, and healing is possible.

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

It’s normal to feel hurt, confused, or betrayed. Don’t push these emotions away — allow yourself to feel them. Talking about your pain, instead of bottling it up, is the first step towards recovery.

2. Stay Safe

Sometimes the pain can feel unbearable, and suicidal thoughts may come. 

Remember — these thoughts are a sign of the depth of your suffering, not a solution. If you ever feel like harming yourself, please reach out immediately to a trusted friend, family member, or a mental health professional.

3. Seek Support

You don’t have to go through this alone. Share your feelings with someone you trust. 

Professional counseling can give you a safe and non-judgmental space to express yourself and guide you on how to cope.

4. Don’t Rush Big Decisions

You may feel pressured to decide whether to continue or end the relationship right away. But decisions made in extreme pain may not be the best ones.

 Focus first on healing and stabilizing your emotions. Clear decisions will follow with time.

5. Take Care of Yourself

Maintain a regular routine — eat, sleep, and work on time.

Engage in self-care: exercise, meditation, journaling, or creative activities.

Slowly work on becoming emotionally and financially independent from those who hurt you.

6. Remember Your Worth

Betrayal says more about the other person’s choices than about your value. You are not to blame for someone else’s actions. Healing starts when you begin to see yourself with compassion and strength again.

Betrayal is deeply painful, but it does not have to destroy you. With the right support, you can regain your self-respect, rebuild your life, and even find strength in this painful experience. If you are struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional — you deserve peace and hope.

For appointments:

Dr. Shailaja Bandla, 

MBBS MD Psy FPM

Consultant Psychiatrist, 

Capital Hospitals

9441619938