is it normal for someone with non-sexual related trauma to be afraid of sex and relationships? i am almost 22 and have never had sex or been in a serious relationship. the vulnerability of it all is so overwhelming for me. so much that i almost feel detached from it. it’s hard hearing about my friends losing their virginity when i am one that is so afraid of that. it makes me feel like something is wrong with me. that of course triggers my ocd..really bad. like i said, i have a lot of trauma but none of it is sex related. i just feel like there’s something wrong with me..

I completely related to this when I was your age! It felt like everyone was having sex and was extremely sexual, and I just had NO interest. In fact, I was terrified of having sex and getting pregnant. It feels weird, but it’s toxic to compare yourself to the others around you. It’s so easy to feel like there’s something wrong with you. But I didn’t have sex until I was ready and it was nothing to be afraid of. And looking back, I’m so glad I waited until I was ready and with the right person, because being scared and just trying to get it over with would’ve made it worse, I’m sure of that. I questioned my sexuality, considered asexuality even, and it just made the overthinking worse and I eventually realized that there really isn’t anything wrong with me. But because everyone around me was sexually active and I wasn’t interested, my anxiety made me feel like there was something wrong with me. I’ve learned to just go with the flow. You’ll find someone and be comfortable with them :) Keep your chin up!!

I felt exactly this way at 22 and still do to some degree at 25. I’m in a relationship now though and am slowly feeling more and more ready with time. I’m in no hurry and I appreciate that about myself now, at least now that the fear part of it isn’t as strong.

Nah you don’t because I have a similar issue and I can’t really describe it.

Might be because of how you were (or were not) educated about sex at a young age. If adults portrayed it as scary, wrong, or left you to your own interpretation, then it may leave you with these feelings towards it.

YES I FELT THAT EXACT SAME WAY! Wow thank you everyone, I don’t feel as crazy now. I was sheltered growing up and I think that contributed to my fear of sex- I also believe that was due to a lack of touch/physical affection growing up. Hugs were given but not often you know?

yeah it can def happen!! i believe the term is "sex-repulsed"? i've had similar struggles (tho my trauma was sexual in nature) ur def not alone!! :0