Trigger Warnings
Thank you for reading my novels and coming into the Trium Perfectum world.
First and foremost, my novels are about mental health. I purposefully use the themes of C-PTSD, PTSD, and traumatic events to bring awareness to how it affects the human mind, psyche, and body.
Because of the mental health aspect, there are a few things in the novels that may trigger. Please read below and see the list of triggers.
Triggers
You will find the following in my novels
Themes of CPTSD:
Disassociation
Flashbacks
Physical side effects
Homophobia
Physical abuse
Mental abuse
Emotional abuse
Neglect
Attempted sexual assault
About Sex & Intimacy
Those who have experienced trauma in their lives have difficulties when intimacy is introduced. This difficulty can come in many forms, be it constantly seeking out a partner for sex or having issues even initiating. Most of all, orgasms, climaxes, and prolonged pleasure may be hard to come by.
This can be for a variety of reasons, and you do not have to take my word for it. There are thousands upon millions of articles online that you can use to research this.
Here are a few:
Sex and Intimacy After Sexual Trauma — HelpGuide.org
Sexual Trauma: Causes, Symptoms, Consequences, and Treatments — Very Well Mind
The lingering effects of sexual trauma — Mayo Clinic Press
Hypersexuality and Trauma: Understanding PTSD's Impact — Neuro Launch
Sex Addiction: A Response to Trauma? — Psychology Today
There are challenges when it comes to sex and physical intimacy, but if you experience these things, know that you aren’t alone.
Kaitlin and Max Gilbert have experienced an incredible amount of prolonged trauma. However, this series is about finding yourself. Part of that is intimacy. Sex is not something to be ashamed of, and I purposefully put open door scenes and use sex fluidly (except for a one antagonistic viewpoint *cough, cough* Lilith Gilbert, I’m looking at you).
I also purposefully added climaxes, intimacy, and connections to come more easily for my characters, especially those who have had trauma. Kaitlin and Max have gone through so much in their lives, along with other characters who have yet to be introduced; it just didn’t seem right to give them hardships in this area.
While I wanted to portray CPTSD, PTSD, and cyclical trauma in a specific way, the lack of intimacy issues may represent a more fictional side.
Not everyone may have these challenges when it comes to sex, but I know that enough of us do.
Please reach out to a certified specialist, such as a therapist, counselor, or psychologist, if you’re experiencing any of these issues (or others). Remember that not every therapist is for every person, and if you come across someone who isn’t the right fit, don’t let that sour you on getting help.
Mental health is a huge problem; we often feel alone and are shamed because of certain reactions and the manner in which those reactions come about.
Mistakes happen, but you keep trying, you keep going, you are amazing, and you can do this.
(I am not affiliated with any of the links above. I wanted to simply provide evidence to my claim.)