I survived a sexual assault. When will I feel normal again?
Surviving a sexual assault can leave you feeling angry, scared, numb, and alone. At first you might just be taking it day by day waiting for things to get back to normal. All too often, instead of gradually getting better over time, you get stuck. You may notice not feeling safe anymore. You tend to shy away from things you used to enjoy, and perhaps don’t feel comfortable in crowded situations. You might find yourself not trusting anyone, even those close to you. Maybe you find yourself trying to fight away feelings like anger, guilt, or shame. The world may just feel like a dangerous place now, so you’re left feeling vulnerable and wanting control back over your mind, body, and your life.
Here’s the thing: surviving a sexual assault, whether it’s a rape, or attempted rape, or other means of sexual violence, increases your likelihood of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. What this means is those past experiences are negatively impacting your day-to-day life and preventing you from being able to live how you’d like to.
The good news? PTSD is treatable. Yes, you heard me right. No, we can’t delete the bad things that have happened. However, what we can do is control how much those past events impact your life now and your life in the future. There are effective treatments available to help you to find hope and get back to living life instead of avoiding it.
From surviving to thriving
If you’ve been struggling please know that you don’t have to, and you certainly don’t have to do it alone! Hope is closer than you think. I’ve been working with sexual assault survivors for the past 11 years and am excited to announce I am taking new patients. I offer the most effective treatments available for PTSD, and typically see people for about 3-4 months for treatment. Please contact me by calling or texting me at 513-780-5313 or by visiting my website www.thrivetherapyinc.com.
I look forward to speaking with you and helping you find hope and healing.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for free, confidential support.
Take care,
Jenn