Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental disorder that can develop after a person experiences trauma.1 PTSD can affect anyone regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, or background. Although PTSD is most commonly associated with war or military experience, PTSD can also develop following a natural disaster, accident, sexual assault, or other traumatic or life-threatening…
Tag: anxiety
Sex And Depression
Depression is a very common mental disorder impacting the lives of millions of Americans every year.1 In addition to affecting a person’s mood, energy, and physical health, depression can also impact an individual’s sex life, both in terms of desire and function.2 Fortunately, depression can be treated and there are resources available to ease the…
A Female’s Guide: How to Optimize Your Sex Life
The topic of female sexuality has progressively become more accepted in modern society, but there are many regions throughout the world where it remains heavily stigmatized. The sexual revolution of the Western world has primarily focused on female reproductive health and rights, but the topics of female sexual desire and pleasure have also steadily gained…
Sex and Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are a group of clinical diagnoses in which an abnormally high level of anxiety is the prominent symptom. These disorders include panic disorder, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and generalized anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the US, affecting 40 million adults in the United…
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is an obsessive preoccupation with a perceived or imagined defect or flaw in personal appearance that others generally do not see.1 The individual may focus on any part of the body and the preoccupation may involve multiple body parts at the same time. Preoccupation with one’s nose, chest, stomach, hair, or…
The Aftermath of Sexual Violence
The aftermath of sexual assault is different for each individual survivor. Some survivors face a lifetime of long-term effects, while others are able to move past the traumatic effects of the attack in several years. Some survivors find it helpful to talk about their experiences, while others do not. In either case, survivors, as well as friends and family of survivors,…
Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Disclaimer: We acknowledge that there are many different words that individuals use to describe themselves after experiencing sexual assault. In this article we use the term ‘survivor’ for the sake of consistency. We acknowledge that there are many different ways of processing sexual violence, and believe each individual person should choose the language that they are…
First-Time Sex Worries
Sex, for those who have never experienced it, can seem incredibly intimidating. But with the correct information, it does not have to seem so overwhelming. This article will break down the common misconceptions and provide advice regarding everything else you need to know about the decision to become sexually active for the first time. Consent…
Postpartum Depression
Nearly 80% of new mothers experience what is referred to as the “baby blues.”1 The baby blues appear a few days to a week after giving birth, and may manifest as moodiness, irritability, insomnia (problems falling and/or staying asleep), anxiety, or tearfulness.1, 2 Following childbirth, the body goes through significant changes, including a drop in…