Intrusive thoughts, particularly those of a distressing or traumatic nature, can indeed cause significant emotional distress and have a traumatic impact on an individual. Trauma is a complex and subjective experience that can result from various distressing events or thoughts, and it is not limited to physical experiences alone. Psychological trauma can stem from emotional, verbal, or psychological sources, such as distressing thoughts or experiences.
The thoughts you described about being sexually assaulted by a professor, even though you have no attraction to them, are distressing and can cause intense emotional reactions such as panic, nausea, and avoidance. This is a form of psychological distress that can be very disruptive to your well-being and daily functioning.
It's important to recognize that trauma can manifest in different ways for different individuals, and what may be traumatic for one person may not be the same for another. Trauma is subjective and depends on the individual's perception and emotional response to the distressing thoughts or experiences.
If these intrusive thoughts are causing significant distress or affecting your daily life, it is essential to seek professional help from a mental health specialist. A therapist or counselor can provide support, understanding, and appropriate treatment to help you cope with these distressing thoughts and manage any trauma-related symptoms you may be experiencing. Trauma-focused therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), can be effective in addressing trauma and its impact on your life.