Coping and self care
TW: Sexual violence
Today was the 2nd day this week I was nearly attached while out walking with friends. About 2hrs ago a man that I was unsure of at first proven to certainly be a shady character. He walked back and forth super close to my friend and I and we were confused but I figured he was probably doing his own thing. He lunged at me and my friend shoved me out of the way thankfully. It triggered feels and memories from a past SA. Now I have a headache and feel so fatigued and physically drained yet I still have an essay so idk how I'm gonna come back to earth. My mind feels so spacey and unfocused and omw back I was so hyper vigilant and paranoid when almost any guy was standing or walking uncomfortably close to me. We laughed it off but once we went our separate ways I realized how terrifying that was and how much I feared for my safety. Tryna figure out how to settle down, address my feelings , and cope..
Hey there @emotionalLime7158. I am so sorry that happened to you. Sometimes we laugh to cope with a stressful situation so your reaction was totally normal. It is also normal to be hyper vigilant and uncomfortable afterwards when a guy is near. It's understandable after all that why you'd be tired as trauma and past trauma can be exhausting remembering. Have you considered talking to a therapist on ways to cope when guys are around? Also, do you know why that guy was there or what he wanted? If you talked to your local police they could probably put a restraining order or something on him so he can't attack you or your friend again.
Thank u for your reply :) I do see a therapist but my next appt isn't for a while because of the holidays. I'll still mention it next time if it's on my mind. I'm not typically paranoid around all dudes but when I'm triggered...yea for sure. Until I get to ask about ways to cope with that I've just been moving to a safer space so I can chill out. And I have zero clue who the guy was or what he was gonna do. It's one of those areas where if u stand in place for too long, someone is gonna approach you. Kinda sad that it seems like the best way to avoid or prepare for a situation like that is basically, don't be out after dark without a man and master MMA or something.
