Help needed for long term effect of rape
It’s been nearly 9 years since I was raped and I am really noticing the mental health impact it’s having on me as I have still not really moved on from this or let go of it. It is still eating away at me and I wondered if anyone has any advice or can help me with coping with this trauma. The rape is the root cause to my drug addiction too so until I can move on from it then I feel I will keep falling back into this cycle of relapse.
@emotionalOcean1985
I don't think there's a timeline to trauma, your emotions and struggles are valid ❤
What you experienced is horrible and nobody deserves that , I just don't know what could help here but I want you to know that I'm really proud of you for seeking support
Have you shared about it with someone irl? Or considered professional support for trauma and drug abuse?
Coping can be different for everyone I hope you can find something that works for you ❤
Sharing some resources
https://www.7cups.com/supportGuides/selfHelpGuides.php
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/recovering-from-rape-and-sexual-trauma.htm
https://www.everydayhealth.com/ptsd/ways-sexual-assault-survivors-can-manage-trauma-triggers/
https://www.7cups.com/exercises/mindfulness/?showlist=1
I'm here for you if you want to talk anytime
Thank you so much @optimisticempath
the links you sent are really good. One of them, I think, has shown me what I think I may have done.
when it happened I definitely disconnected myself from my feelings and body. I despised myself and didn’t want to feel anything. I think I possibly have got stuck feeling like that, subconsciously though now. I think I now know what It is I need to do to “fix myself”. Thank you so much.
p.s I reached out to a few friends and my family too and I have been clean since the day I posted on here and have not gambled either. 💗
@emotionalOcean1985
I'm literally crying rn , it feels so good that I helped you, that you reached out and have been clean since and also found some ways to support yourself better, this has made my day 🥺❤
Please keep going I'm cheering for you
I will definitely keep going. I cannot let my past impact on my future anymore than it already has.
I have also been assessed by a local rape crisis charity and am now on their waitlist for therapy too. It’s a 12-18 month waitlist and I will continue to work on myself too before hand.
I have started going to the gym and also did a yoga class and have a Pilates class booked as both great for breathing techniques and mindfulness 🧘♀️
im so glad I found this app though and that you replied to my posts. You have been an enormous help so I’m truly thankful to you @optimisticempath 💕
@emotionalOcean1985
Awww 🥺🥺🥺
I'm just extremely grateful that I helped you in someway, it means a lot to me to know you felt supported
So so proud of you for believing in yourself and trying to work yourself and heal yourself, you are doing really awesome and I' cannot be more happier to see you doing better 💕 here for you always
sending hugs
Hey there,
Hmmm personally for me I spoke more about it to the people I trust. I don't feel ashamed anymore if that makes sense.
It happened to me when I was 5 and for the longest time I was didn't think about it, I buried it. I then started to date and I notice how I'm not affectionate or like to touch people. I did my fair share of drugs and dated alot of dumb men. To be honest I still have some trauma still now being 31 little things with trigger me but the one thing that helped me was accepted the fact that I am a victim of sexual abuse and its okay to feel broken at times .
It just how you pick yourself up and no your not alone.
