Considering therapy for sexual assult
I was recently sexually assaulted a few months ago. I have yet to tell anyone or even say it out loud. Even after a few months, I'm still suffering from the emotional hurt of this experience and I feel like I'm getting worse. The emotional pain it left me withis so huge, I cannot overcome it. I'm having the most horrendous nightmares about it and I cannot sleep at night because it bothers me so much. I'll experience random crying spells and I feel myself shaking all over again in fear and anxiety. I'll get panic attacks out of no where and I've never had anxiety before this ordeal. I just cannot live with this traumaanymore and know that I need help. However, I feel that talking about it in therapy will just bring me back to that horrifying experience and I don't know if I can handle that. It sounds like torture to have to tell someone about it and let this out of me. Is it worth it to have to feel that pain all over again? Do you think I can be helped from therapy? At this point.. I feel too broken to even be fixed.
I'm so sorry this happened to you. Sexual assault is one of the most traumatizing things a person can suffer, and I know from experience just how many unexpected and painful consequences it may bring.
I'm really glad you're considering taking steps to recovery. And you're very brave for talking about this, it certainly requires some inner strength!
If you feel like confiding in someone can help (and it certainly can with a right person), there are multiple options to consider. You may choose a trusted friend or a family member and bring the information to them in any way that works best (in person, in a letter etc). There's also an option of discussing the issue with someone online. For example, there are many wonderful listeners on the 7cups website who can hear you out without compromising your anonymity, and you can stop the discussion at any time or tell them if it's going too far for your comfort. Then, there are some things you can do by yourself, this guidehttps://www.7cups.com/trauamatic-experience-help/ has some useful exercises to face the experience without putting too much pressure on yourself.
It may help to face the secondary issues first, such as intense anxiety. 7cups guides on anxiety and panic attacks offer some options. It's also possible to discuss it with a mental health professional without digging up the whole assault experience. For example, it may be possible to get medication for anxiety if it interferes with your life much. I know this may feel difficult, but it's one of the options to consider. Meds may act somewhat like a "mentalpainkiller"and the right medication can significantly reduce anxiety which, in turn, can help to focus on facing the memory of assault and working through it.
I can understand how you feel like you're too broken, but you're a strong person and a survivor. I have faith in you!
Hey, Ashley,
I'm so sorry you went through that. I was assaulted over a year ago and still struggle with it quite a bit. I also have a hard time sleeping at night sometimes. It used to bemore frequent than it is now.
Due to other things, I've been seeing therapists for a while now. So, this whole situation just got added to the things we talked about during session time. There were some techniques my counselor suggested that helped. Maybe even if you just go to therapy for ideas of techniques you could use to help you move past it that could help. I'm sure you wouldn't have to go into detail about the situation.
I hope you are able to get the help you need.