Table of contents:
- The impact of sexual harassment on the victim
- How to deal with trauma from sexual harassment
- 1. Accept reality
- 2. Tell other people
- 3. Write a diary
- 4. Stop beating yourself up
Not only rape, things such as talking, touching, to spreading rumors about other people's sexual activities are also considered sexual harassment. Not only shame, but the trauma of sexual harassment can make victims blame themselves and lead to depression. Therefore, an appropriate strategy is needed in dealing with trauma due to sexual harassment.
The impact of sexual harassment on the victim
As reported from the page Mental Health America, sexual harassment and violence will have an effect, both in the short and long term, on the health of the victim.
Almost all victims of sexual harassment admit to having negative feelings that arose after the incident occurred.
Starting from embarrassment, shock, confusion, to guilt. If these feelings continue to arise, the victim has the potential for mental health problems such as:
- Depression
- PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Drug use disorders
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
The trauma caused by sexual harassment is faced by each person in different ways. Maybe at first you will deny it and try to cover up the incident out of embarrassment.
Over time, the trauma may be detrimental to your health. Starting from difficulty sleeping, stunted activities, to difficulty doing things that you are actually fun.
Other symptoms of trauma resulting from sexual harassment include headaches, difficulty concentrating, high blood pressure and forgetfulness.
Maybe you feel it's normal, but in some severe cases, the trauma can make people depressed and cause suicidal thoughts.
Therefore, overcoming the trauma of sexual harassment is very important to prevent the worst situation such as suicide from occurring.
How to deal with trauma from sexual harassment
In order to escape the trauma of sexual harassment, the following things need to be done:
1. Accept reality
One way to deal with the trauma caused by sexual harassment is to stop denying and accepting the truth.
There is no need to give a long explanation of why someone is harassing you. When you continue to deny it, the pain and anger will continue to arise.
It's not easy to accept that you were sexually abused. Therefore, ask for help to a psychologist to solve it.
To vent these emotions, you can also try meditation, yoga, or other activities that make your heart calm.
2. Tell other people
Talking to other people about sexual harassment can lighten your burden, even if it may not be that significant.
Seeking help from other people does make you have to recount what happened at that time and recall the bad incident.
However, this is one way to deal with the trauma caused by sexual harassment.
Choose someone who you believe they can respect your feelings and point of view on your story. As much as possible, avoid people who might overreact or become more emotional.
If you are not sure, joining a group of people who have had a similar case can be an alternative.
3. Write a diary
Venting out your emotions by keeping a journal in your journal can be a great way to deal with the trauma caused by sexual harassment.
Even though I couldn't get it feeback like telling someone else, you can pour your heart out without the need for brakes.
You don't have to filter the words or fear that the story will be leaked everywhere.
4. Stop beating yourself up
Victims of sexual harassment often blame themselves when it occurs. Whether it's blaming yourself for wearing a mini skirt to the office or clothes with low cleavage.
Because in fact, there were other victims who experienced the same treatment even though they were wearing very closed clothes.
Therefore, stop blaming yourself. Remember that what happened was not entirely your fault and that you are not the reason why the other person can't control himself.
In this case, it's the sexual harasser who is really at fault because they can't control themselves by harassing you regardless of the reason.
It will take time and patience to apply it, but this strategy is very necessary so that you are no longer chained by these thoughts.
By continuing to struggle, at least you can know that effort will never betray the results that will be obtained later.
