Let”s talk about what”s important: 7 ways to heal from sexual trauma
All people can be victims of sexual violence. Age, gender and social status do not matter. You don”t have to be wandering around dark parks to be attacked. Even those closest to you can commit violence.
Contents of the article:
Having a traumatic experience can have an impact on your life and psyche. It all depends on how strong the injury itself is, how much internal strength is needed to overcome it, and how timely support was provided.
Sexual trauma
Any form of sexual interaction (harassment, humiliation, coercion, rape or other contact) that occurs against one”s will is sexual assault.
This type of violence does not always revolve solely around gender and its physical manifestations. This is one of the ways to gain control and power over the victim.
The only “mistake” of the victim in such difficult situations is that she rushes to get rid of the “dirt” as quickly as possible, instead of turning to the police to correct the facts of the crime.
Consequences of sexual trauma
The entire chain of trauma symptoms is a consequence of sexual abuse. Main goal: solve the problem to prevent the occurrence of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
Subsequently, sexual trauma, the world around us no longer seems so safe. Self-confidence tends to zero for people. Even confidence does not arise on its own. You may question your worth, sanity, and judgment. You may even begin to feel guilty for what happened.
The main thing to remember is that whatever you are feeling is a normal reaction to this type of trauma. Helplessness, guilt and shame are symptoms.
There is also the possibility of other mental health problems. For example.
It is born out of caring. This is a fear of open spaces, large crowds of people, open doors. It can be accompanied by panic attacks and chronic fear of meeting sexually defective people.
It is accompanied by a feeling of complete despair and deep despondency. Depression has different stages: mild, severe and debilitating.
- Post-traumatic stress.
This is a type of stress that stimulates constant regeneration of a traumatic situation.
These are the most dangerous consequences of violence and should never be ignored.
How to Heal from Sexual Trauma
If you find yourself in such a situation and become a victim of it, one thing is unlikely to help you: you will be left with the feeling that you have suffered. Of course, it all depends on your psyche and general attitude towards injuries. Since you are very strong, only the first method may be suitable for you. And that would be great.
But in most cases you will only help comprehensively.
- Talk to someone you trust.
Read also: 10 Easy Ways to Get Sexier in Less Than 60 Minutes
The desire to appear attractive to your man, or to others, or, most importantly, to those who are most natural for you. Sexuality,.
You can”t keep everything to yourself. Emotions need to be lived, don’t try to process them on your own. But be careful about what kind of person you are going to choose for this confidential trust. She must be morally strong, because not everyone can bear an offended person.
And he certainly shouldn’t belong to the category of people who constantly shout: “I told you it would end,” “There was no point in walking around at night.” This does not require devaluing or judging others. In this case, you can handle it yourself. Support needed.
- EMDR therapy method.
EMDR is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. A method based on fast information processing. The goal is to activate psychophysiological mechanisms that maintain mental balance.
The key is to move the eyes horizontally and quickly. It”s like reading. Thus, the brain perceives this movement as a series of events and moves through the traumatic experience more quickly.
- Yoga and meditation.
Together they can work wonders. Meditation and yoga are ways to consciously relax and get rid of your most unpleasant thoughts. By performing complex asanas, continuing to meditate and observing correct breathing techniques, you can harmonize the body and mind.
Asana complexes such as Surya Namaskar (worship of the sun) and Chandra Namaskar (worship of the moon) are very popular in various rehabilitation centers. They are simple but very effective.
Sexual trauma. psychosomatics. psychology
If the meditation is done alone, it is best to choose one that focuses on breathing.
- The culprit is the opposition.
This exercise is aimed at developing the ability to say “no”. Often violence occurs simply because she could not refuse. Sexual trauma can be caused not only by a maniac waiting in the park, but also by a loved one.
The exercise is carried out in two stages. First, repeat the word “no” 10-15 times. At the same time, use a shout or a strong voice to push the “offender” away, first physically, and then as if shouting.
Secondly, the “opposition” itself. Two parallel lines are drawn on the floor. One line limits the location of the victim, the other the criminal. Standing together between these lines, the task of each is to prevent the other from reaching his line.
You may not take this exercise seriously at first, but if you are in good physical shape, you may even win.
- Support group.
Understanding that you are not alone makes it easier to bear any pain. When you know that no one will judge you, support you or offer professional help. If you have already contacted a specialist, he can tell you if there is a group in your city for people who find themselves in the same situation.
He may even conduct group therapy sessions himself. Each country also has special crisis centers that combat violence and support victims. You can always go there.
- Qualified specialists.
Of course, trauma studies must be conducted under competent supervision and using an individualized approach. Professionals must specialize in sexual trauma. Only then will time not be wasted.
- Partner participation.
If you were in a relationship when you experienced sexual trauma, do not leave your partner in the dark. Don”t worry about his reaction. It”s his choice. However, he should know.
So that he doesn”t get confused when you leave. Don”t burden his psyche with problems in your personal life. If your partner is adequate, he will be shocked, but will help you through all stages of this struggle.
Remember that all the emotions you experience are normal. They should live, but should not break you.
You are a victim and by definition you cannot blame the victim. But if you have the right people and qualified specialists nearby, you can completely cope with everything.
