According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, most people experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives. While many are able to effectively heal from their trauma, others can still struggle with unresolved trauma that can impact their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In some cases, lying can be a trauma response. In this article, you’ll learn more about lying as a trauma response, and why someone may lie if they are struggling with unresolved trauma.
At The Bridge to Recovery, we are leading mental health workshop that helps individuals improve their mental health and work through family of origin trauma. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your recovery journey.
Is Lying a Trauma Response?
Interested in learning more about the question: is lying a trauma response?
The short answer is yes, lying can be considered a trauma response. However, it’s important to make the distinction that not everyone who lies struggles with unresolved trauma. Unresolved trauma can show up in many ways, such as through altering an individual’s behavior through lying. While lying is never justified, it can help to explain the reasoning behind someone’s behavior if they are also struggling with unresolved trauma.
Why Can Lying Be a Trauma Response?
Unfortunately, some people struggling with unresolved trauma may chronically lie to themselves and others. There can be several reasons why an individual with unresolved trauma may lie. Some of the most common reasons include:
Survival Strategy
Depending on the type of trauma one experienced, they may feel a need to lie to help protect themselves from any potential threats or danger. Typically, these individuals who lie experienced abuse from others who hurt them physically, mentally, or emotionally. Therefore, they may lie as a way to protect themselves from danger.
Low Self-Worth
An individual may also lie because they struggle with low self worth and self esteem. They may lie to themselves and others because they do not want to be judged or be viewed as less than by someone else.
Attempt to Maintain Control
Finally, an individual struggling with unresolved trauma may lie as a means to maintain control in their lives. Oftentimes, individuals who struggle with trauma may try to be hyper alert and controlling in their lives to protect themselves. And, in a way, lying can be perceived by some as a way to be able to control how others think and feel about them.
Struggling with Lying as a Trauma Response? Help is Available
Lying can be a trauma response. Yet, it is critical to make the distinction that not everyone who lies necessarily struggles with unresolved trauma, and not everyone who struggles with unresolved trauma chronically lies. There can be several reasons why an individual with trauma may feel the need to lie. This may include lying to try and protect themselves from others, trying to maintain control over a situation, and more.
If you or a loved one find that you are struggling with emotional trauma, support is available. Our compassionate team at The Bridge to Recovery is committed to helping you lead a healthier, happier life. In our innovative trauma workshop, individuals uncover the ways trauma has affected their lives, which may include lying for some. Individuals are then given the tools they need to build healthier coping strategies and relationships in life.
You should never be afraid or ashamed to ask for help when it comes to improving your mental health and well-being. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help support your mental health journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lying a symptom of trauma?
Lying can be considered a symptom of trauma or a type of trauma response; however, this is not always the case. Some people who lie may not be struggling with any unresolved trauma. And, individuals who are struggling with trauma may not be chronic liars. That being said, individuals with trauma who do lie often lie because they are trying to protect themselves as a result of the pain they experience because of their trauma.
For example, an individual may lie to others as an attempt to maintain control of how others think and perceive them, which may be a response to traumatic experiences in their past. Others may lie as a means to protect themselves and reduce their risk of experiencing any traumatic event in the future.
What is the root cause of lying?
While there is no single root cause of lying, there are several reasons behind why an individual may lie, regardless of whether they are struggling with unresolved trauma or not. Some individuals may lie as a means to protect themselves from others, whether it be to physically protect themselves or protect their emotions and feelings. Another reason why an individual may lie is out of fear. This can stem from being afraid of being rejected or judged by others. Or, it can stem from a fear of potential conflict or consequences that may occur if they tell the truth. Some individuals may have also been lied to growing up, and thus may morally not perceive lying to be “that big of a deal.” Unfortunately, while that individual may not perceive lying to be that bad, lying hurts others around them.
How to tell if someone is lying to you?
While many people may lie as a means to protect themselves, others may lie to maintain control of a specific individual’s thoughts, feelings, or attitude toward them.
When it comes to understanding whether someone is lying to you or not, this can oftentimes be tricky. However, there are several key hints that can help clue you into understanding if someone may be lying to you. First, if a person is retelling a story, and their story and its details contradict what you’ve heard from another person (or that individual in the past), this can be a common way to spot if someone is lying to you.
Another common way is to trust your gut feeling. Lying can be revealed through things like body language, which your brain can pick up on, regardless of if it is conscious of it or not. Therefore, if you suspect something is “off” or that an individual may not be telling you the truth, it’s important to listen to your gut so you can look out for other clues.