"Nneoma was raped 3 days ago by a close family friend and since then she has lost her mind. She doesn't know who to talk to or where to seek help. She's afraid to tell her friends and family because she's scared they will judge her. She feels like it’s her fault anyway, she should have fought back harder."
Sexual trauma can result from various forms of sexual violence. Examples include rape, molestation or harassment as a child, incest (sexual relationship with a family member), and other non-consensual sexual acts such as groping.
Sexual violence has become commonplace in society, a burden majorly suffered by girls and women but which men and boys are not exempt from. Sexual violence can leave deep-seated trauma in the aftermath that can severely affect the individual's life.
If you are dealing with any form of sexual trauma or you know anyone who is, try these tips to start your healing journey:
Talk to a trusted individual
Sexual trauma is often hidden for many reasons. You may feel ashamed, scared, like nobody will understand or uncertain about who to trust. But it can be a serious burden dealing with the consequences of sexual trauma alone.
Start the journey to recovery by finding somebody to talk to. Not just anybody, but a person you can trust to help you. A good place to start is a close friend, a therapist or counselor, a trusted family member, or a support group. Talking about what you went through can be relieving.
Go for therapy
While the effects of sexual trauma may fade away, for some people, over time, this is the not the norm for everybody. Some people can deliver post-traumatic stress disorder or acute stress disorder after experiencing sexual trauma. You might need to engage the services of a therapist who specializes in trauma. A trauma therapist can help you structure your healing journey. They will help you process the residual stress, repressed emotions, and other effects of trauma that you might be experiencing.
Join a support group
Nobody can understand your feelings and fears like someone who has experienced the same thing or something similar. A support group is a place to find and draw strength from people who have experienced sexual trauma.
A support group helps you realize that you are not alone or isolated in what you went through. You learn that your experience does not define you or color your future.
Don't avoid your feelings
Sexual violence and trauma can bring a lot of negative emotions. Often, you deal with these emotions through repression. Repression means to push these emotions down into a hidden part of your mind so that you don't feel them anymore.
Unfortunately, repressing your emotions or the event means that they can surface at any time. Although difficult, completely processing those negative emotions is a good step to recovery. Acknowledge the fact that it happened, that it happened to you, and work through the guilt, shame, or fear that you may be feeling. Working through it is the best way to understand that you were not at fault in any way.
Conclusion
Sexual trauma can feel like a cage from which you cannot escape, affecting the quality of your future relationships as well as your self-worth. However, you must try your best to heal and lighten this burden and we hope that you find these tips helpful.
