3 Mental Health Effects of Sexual Assault and Abuse

What are sexual abuse and sexual assault? Sexual abuse is defined as any sexual contact between an adult and a child. In most cases, the perpetrator is someone known by the child. As for sexual assault, it refers to a sexual act without the consent of the victim.

Sexual Assault and Abuse can affect a person emotionally, psychologically and physically. The physical effect includes the fear of contracting HIV or getting pregnant. The emotional effect includes isolation, anger, denial, or disbelief. As for mental health, here are three effects of sexual harassment:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Victims of sexual abuse and harassment often suffer from PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD include having nightmares, inability to sleep, developing severe anxiety, and having uncontrollable thoughts. They end up disassociating themselves from their family and society. In addition, they find it harder to trust new people.

Development of Depression

Whether sexual abuse or assault was reported or not, this experience can still lead to depression. Women who suffered sexual abuse becomes sad and feel hopeless. They tend to cry a lot (for no apparent reason) when in fact they just remembered what happened to them.

Having a Suicidal Tendency

Victims of sexual assault and abuse often develop suicidal thoughts especially after learning that they are impregnated. Without enough support from family and friends, these victims often contemplate death as their best way out. They think that they are suffering from a miserable life and everything ends if they commit suicide.

Help for Those Who Have Been Sexually Abused or Assaulted

What can we do if we knew someone who suffered sexual abuse or assault? The first thing to do is to tell her that we believe her. Show her our support. Do not force her to tell her story and wait for her to share her thoughts. If we notice that her situation is not improving, talk her into getting professional help. Find a professional sexual abuse therapist or an organization that can help like Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways offer different kind of counseling and assistance that can save a sexual abuse victim with their unique approach.

Author statement:
Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years' worth of groundwork and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.

Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006

3 Ways Springtime Can Help Your Addiction Recovery

The best time to reach out to an addiction recovery center in Utah and start this personal journey is always 'today.' However, if you're thinking about changing your life for the better as this winter melts into spring, you'll find that the season gives you some key advantages over other times of the year. Here are three ways that springtime can help you beat addiction and build a new life:

Healthier Bodies

Recovery is not just a shift in mindset. It's also about getting yourself into a better place physically. The increased sunlight in springtime will boost your body's Vitamin D levels. This can increase bone strength, decrease your risk of heart decrease, improve your immune system, and may even reduce your chances of cancer.

Springtime also means an explosion of colorful, vitamin and mineral packed vegetables and berries in the supermarkets. Indulging in this affordable and delicious produce will further increase your health. Our bodies and minds are linked, so a healthy body can help you with the mental clarity needed for recovery.

Boosted Mood

Many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder or more mild versions like the infamous 'winter blues.' Long nights and cold, gloomy days can do a number on your mood. Then spring comes along with lots of fresh air, blue skies, and brighter spirits. Many people can channel that emotional lift into the energy needed to tackle addictions that are dragging them down.

Active Lifestyles

Better weather gives you more opportunities to tackle common New Year's resolutions. This could include making more friends, taking up hobbies like painting, or getting out of the house and jogging outdoors. This helps you build a healthy support network, distracts you during times when you're tempted by your addiction, and gives you a sense of pride as you knock goals out of the park. Springtime can really spring-board major changes in your life!

Spring Cleaning for Your Life

Are you ready to turn over a new leaf as the leaves burst out this springtime? At Pathways Real Life Recovery, we guide people from all walks of life into making big changes. Our staff members are experienced in helping people with a wide range of addictions. Together, we will build a customized recovery strategy that is personalized to your unique needs and goals. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you.

Author statement:
Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years' worth of groundwork, and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.

Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006