For Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Survivors with PTSD
Living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from sexual assault or domestic violence can be an incredible challenge. It's important to acknowledge that the impact of trauma varies from person to person, and that individual experiences are each different. However, there are some common aspects that individuals with PTSD from sexual assault or domestic violence may experience.
One aspect of living with PTSD is that it often leads to intense and distressing emotions. Survivors may experience anxiety, depression, fear, guilt, shame, anger, and a range of other emotional responses. Flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic event(s) can also be overwhelming and disruptive to daily life.
Individuals with PTSD may constantly feel easily startled and hypervigilant for potential threats. They may have difficulty relaxing or sleeping, and have a heightened startle response. So if you’re easily frightened, that makes complete sense.
Survivors may also actively avoid people, places, or situations that remind them of the traumatic experience(s). This avoidance can extend to discussing or confronting the trauma itself. Some individuals may also experience emotional numbing or detachment as a way to cope with overwhelming feelings.
In addition, PTSD can strain relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Survivors may struggle with trust, intimacy, and forming new connections. The impact on sexual intimacy and trust can be particularly significant.
What many don’t know is that PTSD can manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal problems, chronic pain, and fatigue. These physical manifestations are often connected to the psychological distress caused by the traumatic experience.
Essentially, PTSD can significantly impact various aspects of daily life. Concentration and memory difficulties, disrupted sleep patterns, changes in appetite, and reduced motivation can affect work, education, and personal relationships.
Survivors may have triggers that elicit intense emotional or physiological responses, reminding them of the traumatic event(s). Triggers can be specific words, sounds, smells, or situations that are associated with the trauma and can evoke distressing memories or sensations. This doesn’t mean that those with PTSD are unpredictable or violent, as this is a common stereotype that stigmatizes PTSD.
It's important to note that with appropriate support, therapy, and self-care, individuals can experience healing and recovery from PTSD. Professional help, such as trauma-focused therapy, CBT, or DBT can provide strategies to manage symptoms, develop coping mechanisms, and work towards regaining a sense of safety, control, and overall well-being. To facilitate healing, a supportive and understanding environment that validates survivors' experiences is also crucial in the healing process.
If you have PTSD from domestic violence or sexual assault it’s also important to validate your own experiences with how PTSD has affected your life. Know you are not alone and that people who have walked the same path as you have still gone on to live happy and fulfilling lives. PTSD doesn’t have to be a life sentence to reliving your trauma, with the proper care team and support circle you CAN experience recovery.
The timing at which an average person seeks professional help after the onset of symptoms can vary depending on several factors, including the nature of the symptoms, their severity, cultural and individual differences, and accessibility to healthcare services. However, it is generally recommended to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms are concerning or significantly impacting daily life.
In some cases, individuals may seek professional help relatively quickly, especially if the symptoms are severe, sudden, or visibly affecting their well-being. For instance, someone experiencing intense pain, acute illness, or a medical emergency is more likely to seek immediate medical attention.
Sometimes individuals might delay seeking professional help due to various reasons, such as downplaying or ignoring symptoms, fear of a diagnosis, financial constraints, lack of awareness or access to healthcare services, or cultural stigmas surrounding seeking help for mental health issues.
I understand all of this and I understand the reluctance, of course I also understand insurmountable barriers to help such as cost. However, it is important to note that seeking timely professional help is crucial for early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and better health outcomes. If someone is experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to assess and address their concerns.