You may experience a range of emotions and physical responses after a sexual assault. These feelings can surface at any time, whether immediately after an assault or many weeks and/or months later. Not everyone goes through the same emotions or time frame.
These responses may include:
- Nightmares or sleeplessness
- Intense or uncontrollable anger
- Uncontrollable crying, depression or feelings of despair
- Loss of self-confidence or feelings of powerlessness
- Anxiety or mood swings
- Self-destructive behavior
- Distrust of other people
- Inability to concentrate
- Guilt or shame
- Sexual relationship issues with partner
- Nausea, sweating or uncontrollable shaking
- Increased or decreased appetite
Please know that these responses, although very normal to experience, are not always easy to get through. Your family and friends can be a large part of your support system and help you through some of these issues.
We recommend you seek help through a sexual assault advocacy center or call their 24-hour crisis line. A survivor who has experienced one or more of these symptoms for longer than two to four months may want to call the crisis line for a referral to a therapist and/or for information about available support groups.
If you are having a severe response, including but not limited to self-harming or suicidal thoughts or behaviors, get immediate help by going to your local emergency department or calling 911.