Trauma's impact on sexual openness
Trauma is any experience that causes significant psychological distress or an extreme emotional response. It can occur during childhood or adulthood and may involve physical abuse, neglect, sexual assault, loss of a loved one, natural disasters, accidents, warfare, financial crisis, or social conflict. People react differently to trauma based on their age, gender, culture, personality, life experiences, coping strategies, and support system. Trauma affects people differently because it is subjective; some traumas are more severe than others, and no two individuals have identical histories.
There are general effects of trauma, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, anger, guilt, shame, hopelessness, isolation, fear, hypervigilance, flashbacks, nightmares, phobias, impaired concentration, memory problems, changes in appetite/weight, numbness, and self-destructive behaviors.
Trauma can also influence relationships, particularly sexual ones, as it damages trust, confidence, communication, intimacy, and boundaries. Traumatized people often feel emotionally shut down or avoidant, making them less likely to express desires, needs, or vulnerabilities. They may also be hyperreactive to perceived threats, controlling, jealous, possessive, or mistrustful.
Trauma survivors may have difficulty with closeness or sexual pleasure due to overwhelming feelings of helplessness, powerlessness, sadness, rage, or panic. This makes it difficult for them to initiate sex, respond to touch, or sustain arousal/orgasm during intercourse.
Trauma increases difficulty in sustaining sexual openness by triggering negative emotions and physical reactions that hinder sexual pleasure and intimacy. It also creates barriers between partners based on fear and distrust, leading to tension, disappointment, or disconnection. As a result, trauma survivors experience higher rates of infidelity, breakups, divorce, and loneliness, worsening their mental health and social support system. The good news is that counseling and therapy can help address these issues, promoting healing and improving relationships.
How does trauma increase difficulty in sustaining sexual openness?
During a time of trauma, individuals may feel disconnected from their body and its needs due to heightened fear responses associated with stress. This can make it difficult for them to connect with themselves and others physically, including sexually. Additionally, trust issues that develop during a period of trauma can make it challenging to be vulnerable in an intimate relationship.