Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson

Dear Counsellor:

I am a survivor of sexual abuse. I, however, find that I get depressed easily and tend to get panic attacks. I have difficulty coping sometimes.

- Georgina

Dear Georgina:

Survivors of sexual abuse face several problems in adulthood. It is common that these individuals get depressed and anxious.

Sexual abuse is an invasion of privacy and self and affects the self-esteem and mind of the individual. Many individuals develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and have nightmares and flashbacks, as well as numbing of feelings. Many individuals need to be under the care of a psychiatrist. The reason is that the issues have to be dealt with and there is no cure for their condition.

One of the problems that individuals have is how to form effective relationships. They have difficulty with trust and intimacy. Trust and intimacy are important issues in sexual relationships. Individuals may find that they are not close with their partner and are unable to perform sexually. Some females are unable to enjoy the sexual act because they are fearful and anxious. A sex therapist will be able to help these females.

Depression and panic attacks are treatable, so you should see your doctor who will prescribe the necessary medications. Cognitive-behaviour therapy is used to treat these conditions also.

Many individuals have a lot of suppressed anger and find that they are easily provoked, often getting into fights. These confrontations could have been resolved by non-aggressive strategies. Some females tend to be angry with all males and are not comfortable in their company.

Individuals use various coping mechanisms, some inappropriate or ineffectual. During therapy a variety of coping mechanisms are explored and practised and the client will learn to choose these mechanism wisely.

I have difficulty sleeping

Dear Counsellor:

I have difficulty falling asleep at night. I lie in bed looking at the ceiling. I have been stressed lately and so, view this as the cause of my insomnia. How can I get some sleep?

- Anne

Dear Anne:

Many people have difficulty sleeping whenever they are under stress. Stress comes in many forms and can actually creep up on you without your realising what is happening to you.

Stress is a part of our daily existence. It takes a toll on our body and causes certain things to happen to us. Stress can interfere with our appetite, thinking and behaviour. Some people find that their blood pressure becomes elevated and they are forced to drink a lot of sweet beverages. Stress causes insomnia and so, people find that they have sleep problems whenever the stress is unbearable. Stress and insomnia usually respond to cognitive-behaviour therapy.

Remember the saying, 'as a man thinketh, so is he'? Our thoughts affect our behaviour and movement. Cognitive-behaviour therapy is very helpful as you are able to look at your thoughts and identify how they affect your behaviour.

There are medications that can induce sleep, so maybe you might try this option and see your doctor for the prescription.

Cognitive-therapy and medication can deal with most cases of insomnia. Positive thinking and an optimistic outlook on life can help to deal with stress and insomnia.

There are certain non-medical things that you can do to get some sleep at night. Remove the television from the bedroom and play soft music to soothe you to sleep. It is good to empty your thoughts on paper to free your mind so you can sleep soundly.

Phone Dr. Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at 978-8602 or 791-1778; or email yvonniebd@hotmail.com.