There are no words to describe the physical, emotional and mental trauma that an individual goes through in a sexual assault. For the victim, there is a part of them that dies, and there is no way to go back to how they were before the attack.
And long after the victim has healed physically, the psychological horror continues.
The symptoms of PTSD
We’ve long associated PTSD with military combat. In actuality, it can be triggered by experiencing or witnessing any traumatic event, such as natural disasters, catastrophic accidents, sexual assault or abuse. For the survivors of such events, PTSD can alter the way they navigate their daily lives.
For a person who has been sexually assaulted, the violation of their personal boundaries and their intense fear impacts their mental health as their brain tries to process the experience.
Some common symptoms they may exhibit include:
- Intrusive thoughts in the form of unwanted memories, flashbacks and nightmares force them to relive the trauma
- Avoidance of places, people and activities that may trigger distressing emotions
- Feelings of hopelessness and detachment from loved ones
- Hyperarousal in the forms of being easily startled, feeling tense, having trouble sleeping and experiencing angry outbursts
PTSD affects every aspect of a survivor’s life, such as relationships, work or school performance and difficulty concentrating. It can also lead to substance use disorders.
While overcoming PTSD can seem impossible, it’s important to remember that healing is possible. There are several forms of psychotherapy have been effective in helping survivors process their experiences.
It’s also essential to practice self-care and participate in activities promoting relaxation and self-compassion. Trauma-informed yoga can help survivors feel more connected and in control of their bodies.
Every survivor’s journey to recovery from assault and PTSD is unique. Hopefully, with an environment of understanding and support, they will emerge stronger and more resilient on the other side.
