Trauma and stress are not just in the mind. Your body and psyche are in constant connection, and influence each other, with every step you take in life. When it comes to sexual assault, the link between mind and body is no different.
It may be scocking to experience the reactions, not just emotionally or physically, but collectively. Preparation and understanding for your own mind and body are your best tools, in this case.
As we’ve seen, the body is literally and intimately connected to the mind through a series of hormonal signals. These signals are regulated via the body’s HPA axis (this is the system including hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands).
As you try to cope with the stress, your physical body may take a bit of strain. Again, this is all normal. You may discover that your sleep is disturbed, that your appetite is changed, that your libido is different, that you get headaches or feel nauseas or tired, that you get stomach cramps or have poor digestion. This is unpleasant, but remember, it’s just your body processing the physical repercussions of the trauma.