“Effects of Sexual Trauma
Experiencing sexual abuse puts individuals at risk of experiencing long-term effects from their trauma. In children, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) like sexual trauma can contribute to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood.6 These challenges can also negatively impact their ability to pursue education, job opportunities, and personal growth.
Negative Coping Strategies
People may develop negative coping strategies in response to sexual trauma. Some may engage in ‘numbing’ tactics like substance use, disordered eating, and self-harm. Others may dissociate to disconnect from their bodies or external surroundings. Self-isolation or avoiding trauma triggers are additional examples of unhealthy coping patterns.
Physical Symptoms
Sexual trauma can coincide with various somatic experiences that range in severity. Some of the physical effects of sexual assault include sexual dysfunction (vaginal pain, erectile dysfunction, limited to no libido), acute or chronic pain, muscle tightness, gastrointestinal distress, headaches, and panic attacks.
Difficulty Going Back to Normal Life
Readjusting to daily life after experiencing trauma can be challenging as survivors may have difficulty in their relationships, returning to work or school, and regaining a sense of normalcy and identity. They may also experience sexual anxiety, as even healthy sexual experiences may trigger flashbacks of their trauma.6
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD from sexual abuse can occur with either an immediate or delayed onset. Hallmark symptoms include ruminating thoughts about the abuse, flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and intense feelings of shame or guilt. Not everyone who experiences sexual trauma will develop PTSD, but a lack of support, poor coping skills, and complex trauma can increase the risk.
Relationship Difficulties
Sexual trauma triggers can seep into everyday life, and they may become more pronounced in intimate relationships. For example, some people find being emotionally or physically vulnerable with another person challenging. They may struggle to trust others due to a past history of betrayal. Similarly, they might present as either overly guarded or permissive with partners.
Mental Health Conditions
Sexual trauma is a risk factor for numerous mental health conditions, including anxiety, substance use disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, and dissociative disorders. Sexual trauma itself likely does not single-handedly cause these conditions. However, the unresolved effects can result in significant distress, leading to subsequent issues.
Loss of Self
The emotional effects of sexual assault can erode an internal sense of safety and chip away at core values. Some people report a deep hollowness after experiencing or processing trauma. These feelings may speak to the intense fear, anger, and helplessness that can emerge after such a life-threatening event.
Emotional Dysregulation
Emotional dysregulation is often a product of feeling powerless and unsafe after significant events, including sexual trauma. Emotional dysregulation can include problems expressing emotions, intense and sudden mood swings, and lashing out. Some people may also struggle with self-destructive behaviors or suicidal thoughts.
Depersonalization & Derealization
Depersonalization refers to feeling detached from the body or inner thoughts. Similarly, derealization is a disconnect from the outside world, where the external environment may feel foggy, dreamlike, or otherwise distorted. Both are aspects of dissociation, and they may exist together or separately in response to experiencing sexual trauma.” -Choosing Therapy.
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