Effects of sexual abuse on mental health

An estimated 463,634 people in the United States experience sexual assault and sexual abuse each year. And about 80% of women and nearly 45% of men report having experienced some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetimes. 

The trauma and lasting effects of sexual abuse can go beyond physical effects. Often, survivors of sexual abuse face both emotional and psychological challenges, sometimes even years after the abuse. 

The effects of sexual abuse on mental health can impact a person’s ability to live their life to the fullest, affecting their relationships, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. Understanding the relationship between sexual abuse and mental health is essential for providing survivors with the support and care they need. 

Short-term impacts of sexual abuse

Studies have shown that sexual abuse can have a significant impact on mental health. The short-term effects of sexual abuse on mental health can cause a variety of symptoms. 

When someone experiences trauma, their brain and body work together to help them navigate this complex time and move forward with their lives. These reactions are known as trauma responses.

Anxiety and panic attacks

Anxiety and sexual abuse often occur together. It’s also common for survivors to experience panic attacks after sexual abuse.

Sometimes, anxiety and panic attacks can occur when someone thinks back to the traumatic event. However, other times, anxiety and panic attacks related to sexual abuse may occur as a result of a trigger. A trigger is something that reminds them of the traumatic event that can cause emotional or even physical reactions. A certain smell, word, time of year, or place could all be potential triggers for those who have experienced sexual abuse. 

Although the anxiety and panic associated with sexual abuse can be short term, in some cases, they can evolve into chronic mental health conditions. This is especially true without proper treatment or care following the abuse. 

Depression

Feelings of depression are one of the most common short-term effects of sexual abuse on mental health. People may feel sad, lost, or hopeless in the days following the traumatic event. They may also experience shame and guilt. 

These feelings can lead to other negative impacts in their lives, like avoiding friends and loved ones. As with anxiety and panic attacks, untreated acute depression can become a long-term condition. 

Dissociation

One of the more common forms of sexual abuse trauma responses is dissociation. Dissociation is the brain’s way of coping with large amounts of stress. 

Dissociation can make you feel like your surroundings aren’t real or like you’re detached from your body. Usually, the feelings associated with dissociation fade with time. However, in instances of repeated abuse or trauma, dissociation may last longer. 

Difficulty trusting others

Those who have experienced sexual abuse have been hurt by others, often someone they trusted. In fact, an estimated 80% of sexual assaults are committed by someone familiar, like a friend or relative. Because of this, survivors of sexual abuse may find it difficult to trust people. 

Long-term impacts of sexual abuse

The effects of sexual abuse on mental health aren’t always acute or short term. Instead, some people may experience chronic mental health conditions as a result of their trauma.

The long-term effects of sexual abuse on mental health don’t always show up as mental health conditions. Every person experiences trauma and abuse differently. As a result, the chronic effects can vary from person to person based on their unique situation. 

Many of the long-term effects of sexual abuse on mental health can be managed or even treated with proper care. However, depending on the severity, some may last a lifetime. Sexual abuse has been associated with an increased risk for suicide, as well as various long-term mental health conditions.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that occurs after someone experiences something traumatic. People with PTSD experience chronic symptoms, many of which create a significant impact on day-to-day life. 

Some of the symptoms of PTSD include:

• Insomnia
• Panic attacks
• Nightmares
• Uncontrollable thoughts about the event
• Feelings of guilt or worry
• Isolation

Depression and anxiety disorders

One study found that, after one year, 54% of teenagers who experienced sexual abuse or assault had depressive symptoms. That same study found that 60% also experienced anxiety symptoms. 

Along with PTSD, depression and anxiety are some of the most common long-term effects of sexual abuse on mental health. Symptoms of these conditions can include:

• Losing interest in activities
• Feeling lost or empty
• Having trouble concentrating or remembering
• Irregular sleeping patterns
• Feeling tired or fatigued
• Low self-esteem
• Frequent headaches or stomach aches

Substance use disorders

Survivors of sexual abuse may use substances as an unhealthy coping mechanism to deal with uncomfortable emotions. This can lead to a cycle of dependency that increases the severity of symptoms or creates new symptoms. 

Eating disorders

Many of the effects of sexual abuse on mental health revolve around feelings of helplessness. For some people navigating the effects of sexual abuse, control over food provides a way for them to regain power in their lives.

Some of the most common eating disorders that may occur as a result of sexual abuse include:

• Anorexia
• Bulimia
• Binge eating disorder

Effects of childhood sexual abuse

According to RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual-violence organization, a child in the United States experiences sexual abuse every nine minutes. Younger children may not be able to understand or express what happened. However, children of all ages may feel the lasting effects of child sexual abuse (CSA).

For survivors of CSA, the effects of sexual abuse on mental health may be different than the effects of sexual abuse on adults. When sexual abuse occurs at an early age, it has the potential to alter brain development. 

In many situations, the effects of childhood sexual abuse also extend into adulthood. Childhood trauma can change how a person interacts with the world, others, and even themselves.

Many survivors of childhood sexual abuse experience feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-worth. They may also face the same mental health conditions that adult survivors experience, like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. One study has found that survivors of CSA may also be at higher risk for psychosis. 

Moving forward with compassionate care

No two people experience trauma in the same way. As a result, treatment options for trauma and sexual abuse shouldn’t be one size fits all. Instead, finding the right treatment options tailored to you and your needs is a critical step toward healing. 

There are many types of treatments available for people navigating the effects of sexual abuse on mental health. These can include:

• Therapy: Therapy provides a safe space to process emotions, understand the impact of trauma, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Some types of therapy that may help survivors of sexual abuse include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). 
• Medication: In some situations, medication can be helpful in managing symptoms of conditions that can result from sexual abuse. Your therapist or doctor can refer you to a psychiatric provider to see if medication could be right for you. 
• Support groups: Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences can provide a feeling of community and understanding. Support groups are a safe space to share experiences and feel validated and supported.
• Holistic treatments: Holistic approaches to treatment can be a great complement to traditional therapies. They can reduce stress and improve overall mental and physical health. Some activities to consider include yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and mindfulness. 

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may benefit from a combination of treatments. Whether your treatment plan includes only one form of care or multiple, finding a therapist to create an individualized plan that revolves around your unique needs is important. 

The impact of sexual abuse on treatment

For those navigating sexual abuse and mental health, treatment is an important step in healing. However, the effects of sexual abuse can create a complex relationship with mental health, which can alter the treatment approach and effectiveness.

Some of the most notable effects of sexual abuse on mental health treatment include:

• Trust issues: A safe relationship built on trust is essential in mental healthcare. Because of the trust issues that may occur after sexual abuse, some may struggle to form a relationship with their healthcare provider. 
• Stigma: Sexual abuse is never the fault of the victim. However, survivors of sexual abuse may feel shame, and the social stigma surrounding sexual abuse may make it difficult for them to seek treatment. 
• Triggers and re-traumatization: Therapy for sexual abuse often focuses on discussing the memories of abuse. In some cases, this can be triggering or even lead to re-traumatization. 

Find care with Rula

Navigating the effects of sexual abuse on mental health can be daunting, but it’s not a process you have to go through alone. Working with a therapist can help you find healthy ways to navigate the impacts of sexual abuse. 

At Rula, our goal is to make it easier to access compassionate, trauma-informed care tailored to your needs. If you or a loved one needs support, we invite you to explore our therapist-matching program. With Rula, you can connect with a provider who accepts your insurance and schedule your first meeting as soon as tomorrow.

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