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Initial Reactions
You will have a wide range of feelings, some of them conflicting with each other, but over time they will become more manageable and occur less often. It is important to remember your reactions are normal and do not mean you are "going crazy." You may experience some or all of the following reactions as well as some not listed:
Emotional Reactions
fear and anxiety
flashbacks
irritability, anger, rage
mood swings
embarrassment, humiliation, shame
loss of self-worth
sense of being dirty, unworthy
Physical Reactions
decrease or increase in eating and/or sleeping
isolation or fear of being alone
change in menstruation
increase in alcohol or drug intake
increased vulnerability to colds, flu, etc.
nausea, headaches
Behavioral & Thinking Reactions
inability to concentrate or relax
avoiding places, people, thoughts or feelings that remind you of the assault
denial of incident, acting as if it didn't happen
forgetting details of the incident or remembering much later
Thinking "if only I hadn't ..."
Just as with any injury, the healing takes time. There are some things you can do to help you regain control and lessen the pain.
Remember the rapist is the guilty person. Your sense of shame and embarrassment are a result of seeing rape as a sexual crime rather than a crime of violence.
Realize your reactions are normal.
Talk with someone who you trust and is nonjudgmental.
Avoid using drugs and alcohol to cope.
Avoid comparing yourself to others.
Pamper yourself and allow others to help.
Return to your regular pattern, as you are able.
Prepare yourself for the difficult times: court, anniversaries, etc.
Know your rights as a victim of crime
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