• 30
  • November
    2011

We wrote a post two weeks ago discussing some of the ways sexual harassment impacts your health. That post discussed a few of the short and long-term health problems that can stem from sexual harassment, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and a rise in blood pressure.

Unfortunately, sexual harassment in the workplace impacts more than just three areas of your health. Keep reading to learn about other negative impacts sexual harassment can have on your body.

Sexual harassment has been linked to sleep problems. Stress and anxiety are known to disrupt sleep, and sexual harassment causes a great deal of stress. One psychologist suggested that victims of sexual harassment may lie awake at night replaying the events of the harassment, and the harassment can also be a source for nightmares.

Sadly, suicide is also a serious health threat that can be caused by sexual harassment. When depression or thoughts of self-blame persist without being treated, the outcome can be fatal. In one study, 15 percent of women who reported frequent and unwanted sexual harassment said they had made suicide attempts "often" in the previous six months. By comparison, of the individuals in the group who did not report sexual harassment, just 2 percent were suicidal.

In addition to the other symptoms we mentioned, sexual harassment can also lead to neck pain. The study that was cited in Fox News did not explain the exact correlation between harassment and neck pain; however, they did note that if the research is confirmed, the research also suggests that individuals who are sexually harassed may also face bone and muscle problems.

Source: Fox News, "6 Ways Sexual Harassment Damages Women's Health," MyHealthNewsDaily, Nov. 9, 2011