Erotic suppression is the emotional process that occurs when one's sexual desires are suppressed due to traumatic experiences. This can happen when someone has been abused physically or psychologically, and their mind begins to associate physical closeness with danger. In order to protect themselves from further harm, they may suppress their natural urges for intimate contact.
This can lead to a vicious cycle where even positive forms of sexual expression become associated with danger and can be shut down entirely.
In survival mode, the body releases adrenaline to prepare itself for fight or flight. When the threat is gone, the body needs time to return to normal levels. During this time, it's common to feel numbness, anxiety, and avoidance. This is part of the fight-or-flight response, which is designed to help us cope with stressful situations. It's also linked to erotic suppression, as many people find sex unappealing while in this state. The fear and discomfort caused by trauma can make them feel like they need to shield themselves from anything related to pleasure, including intimacy and affection.
This behavior becomes habitual, leading to an overall lack of interest in any type of intimacy. They may begin to see all types of touching, kissing, and sex as inherently dangerous and negative, even if the situation is safe. Their partner may feel rejected and confused, since they have no idea what went wrong. Eventually, this can lead to a breakdown in communication, trust issues, and emotional distance between partners.
Traumatic experiences can also create a sense of self-blame, shame, and guilt that makes it hard to accept love and affection from others. This can lead to further isolation and increased risk-taking behaviors such as substance abuse or risky sexual encounters. To protect themselves further, they may develop defenses such as hypervigilance, distrust, and withdrawal. All of these behaviors reinforce their belief that relationships are unsafe and can push potential partners away.
In addition to physical danger, some survivors experience social rejection due to stigma around mental health conditions or abuse. This can make them less likely to seek out support from friends or family members who might otherwise be able to help them heal. It can also cause them to question their own worthiness and value, making it harder for them to form meaningful connections with other people.
Erotic suppression is a complex issue that requires professional treatment and support. It's important for survivors to work through their trauma and learn to process their feelings in a healthy way. They should consider seeking therapy or counseling, especially if they are experiencing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety attacks, or depression. With time and patience, many survivors find that they can regain interest in intimacy without feeling overwhelmed by fear or pain.
How does trauma reinforce erotic suppression in survival mode?
Traumatic experiences can create a sense of helplessness and powerlessness that may lead individuals to suppress their sexual desires as a way to cope with the overwhelming emotions associated with the event. This suppression can occur during periods of trauma or afterward as an attempt to avoid re-experiencing the trauma through intimate relationships.