Men, women and children can all experience sexual trauma. While people in Salt Lake City, Utah may want to believe this doesn’t happen in this community the reality is that it does.
Understanding what sexual trauma is and how to seek help is essential to avoid the mental health issues that can be a result of this type of experience. While many people seek help for sexual trauma in Salt Lake City, Utah immediately after an event, some may wait for years or even decades to finally talk about the issue. Getting help immediately is the best option but it is never too late to seek help and support.
What is Sexual Trauma in Salt Lake City, Utah?
Sexual trauma is not just a violent act like rape, but it may be something that included bodily harm. Sexual harassment that is ongoing or one single event can create trauma for some people. It can also be include being coerced or threatened into a sexual act, even with a partner, spouse or significant other.
Anytime that anyone has negatively around the act of sex or sexuality because of fear, intimidation, violence, threats, embarrassment or feelings of being helpless or out of control trigger sexual trauma. It is also important that these issues could be perceived by the individual, especially in the case of a perceived threat, and they may not be anything illegal or that could be grounds for a complaint.
Symptoms of Sexual Trauma
The symptoms of individuals experiencing sexual trauma can vary from person to person and in intensity and impact on your life. Common issues include generalized anxiety, difficulty in being around people, difficulty in concentrating and with memory, emptiness and numbness, shock, tremors, sleep problems, changes in appetite and eating, weight changes, changes in sexual functioning and even the risk of increased substance abuse.
Seek Help
The most important aspect of sexual trauma in Salt Lake City, Utah is to be safe. This includes getting away from any violent individuals and seeking help from your therapist, medical doctor, clergy, a teacher or the police. Reaching out to a trusted friend, relative or neighbor is also essential and will allow you to have the support you need to get professional mental health to deal with the sexual trauma you have experienced.
