Trust issues are characterized by fear of betrayal, abandonment, or manipulation. They can cause suspicion, anxiety, and doubt, and can be very damaging to romantic, personal, and professional relationships. Some of the signs of trust issues include avoiding commitment in romantic relationships, avoiding close friendships or social connections, and difficulty forgiving small or misinterpreted slights, among others. Trust issues may be caused by adverse childhood experiences, infidelity in adult relationships, gaslighting, or narcissistic abuse from loved ones. Individuals with lower levels of trust tend to monitor and occasionally test their partner’s degree of support and responsiveness in their relationship. Trust issues can lead to problems such as emotional or physical abuse, depression, loneliness, isolation, stress, burnout, and perfectionism.

Here are some common signs of trust issues:

• Assuming betrayal
• Feeling lonely or depressed
• Fact-checking what others tell you
• Feeling suspicious or jealous
• Picking fights or accusing others of dishonesty or betrayal
• Spending a lot of time worrying, wondering, or even obsessing about what others are up to
• Having volatile, unstable relationships
• Developing control issues and perfectionism
• Being hypervigilant and overprotective
• Difficulty with commitment
• Avoidant behaviors
• Emotional sensitivity or reactivity
• Reluctance or inability to forgive

To overcome trust issues, it is important to process past hurts and become aware of the patterns that contribute to distrust. Therapy can be helpful in addressing trust issues and learning to trust again.