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Weird problem stemming from possible childhood sexual abuse (trigger warning, its gets a lil nsfw)

User Profile: facingthesun
facingthesun October 7th, 2019

Hi all,

I'm really embarassed to be posting something like this, but I'm not ready to talk to my therapist about it. So, my "weird problem" is that in scary/dangerous situations my body gets sexually aroused? My mind is not, but my body is reacting differently.. I feel deeply ashamed about this and I swear I'm not "turned on" by danger or anything, but theres always a bodily reaction in scenarios like this. sad For example, last week someone was driving recklessly behind me and I think he was drunk. He started swerving behind me and getting extremely close to my car!! I pulled over to the side of the road and he drove past and screamed profanities at me out the window. I was very frightened at the time and I thought that he'd get out of his car and attack me. And my body became aroused but my mind was terrified. I think this might stem from possible sexual abuse in my childhood. I don't have any explicit memories of being assaulted, but the more I remember stuff about my past and the more I learn about myself in therapy, I'm starting to think something very bad happened. I hate being touched, it feels invasive and like I'm under attack. I'm slowly (but surely!) working on getting comfortable with platonic touch. I also have really bad depersonalization and derealization that I'm having a harder time snapping out of. I don't know if this problem has anything do with something like that, or if its a completely mundane thing, but it really bothers me that this happens. I can't control how my body reacts and I can't get over the feelings of guilt that come after. Does anyone deal with something similar to this? Is it normal for your body to react like this even if it's not what you actually want?

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User Profile: Aayla
Aayla October 7th, 2019

It's totally normal to have bodily reaction that contrast with your actual mental reaction. Some people find this to be a source of guilt, but you can't feel guilty for something out of your control! It is simply something to understand better.

I'm glad you're making this journey with your therapist to learn more about yourself, and you're making steps ahead. You might not feel ready to bring this up to her yet, but when you will, I'm sure it can help you find the source of this feeling. In the meantime, don't feel bad about your reactions. They are just something that happens to you, they don't define you. What defines you is the strength and force of will that is leading you to accept contact again, and that will surely bring you to other great achievements!

1 reply
User Profile: facingthesun
facingthesun OP October 7th, 2019

@Aayla

Thank you so much for your response, you are very sweet to say that. I'll try to work up the courage next time I see her lol, but I might still be too embarassed. I will not let this define me!

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User Profile: quietBeach575
quietBeach575 October 8th, 2019

@facingthesun This is not as uncommon as you think..... try maybe making a copy of your post for your therapist its like telling themwithout telling them...if and when you are ready to address... Good luck with your journey..

2 replies
User Profile: facingthesun
facingthesun OP October 8th, 2019

@quietBeach575

Thank you, that's actually a really good idea! I might write it down and hand it to her lol idk if all goes well I might update this post

1 reply
User Profile: quietBeach575
quietBeach575 October 10th, 2019

@facingthesun...lol...i look forward to the update!

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User Profile: ohanasystem
ohanasystem October 13th, 2019

@facingthesun
thank you for your bravery in posting this. fear has the same effect on me as well and i have felt guilt about it ever since i realised.