Navigating Trauma: Mental Health Support for Assault Survivors

Sexual assault is a horrific experience no one should have to face. However, if you are reading this, chances are you or a loved one have been a victim of this traumatic event. If this is the case, my heart goes out to you and your situation.

Physical recovery is not the only thing on the mind of a survivor. The mental trauma after assault can affect every aspect of your life for years to come. Research even shows that 80% of teenage girls who were sexually assaulted will develop a mental health disorder.

80%!

Most don't know where to start or what to look for. The good news is there is a light at the end of the tunnel. There are effective strategies and proven resources out there to aid in the recovery process.

This article will cover:

• The Mental Health Impact Of Assault

• Why Professional Support Matters

• Types Of Therapy That Work

• Creating A Support Network

• Self-Care Tips For Daily Life

The Mental Health Impact Of Assault

Sexual assault doesn't just affect a victim physically. The mental anguish and pain that survivors have to endure run far deeper than most people know.

Studies show that 94% of rape survivors develop symptoms of PTSD within two weeks after the attack. That's nearly 100%.

But there is more to it:

Those numbers represent actual human beings suffering from anxiety, depression, flashbacks, and nightmares. Survivors also report problems with trusting others, intimacy, and maintaining healthy relationships.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety disorders, sleep issues, difficulty concentrating, and substance abuse are common mental health effects that result from being a victim of sexual assault.

Reaching out for the right sexual assault survivors support and mental health resources in time is important during this difficult stage of life. Organizations such as Kayla's Survivors exist to provide the care and guidance needed to navigate the long, hard road of trauma recovery.

But first, let's look at why getting professional help really matters.

Why Professional Support Matters

Let me ask you a question that most people don't see correctly about trauma recovery:

Do you know what most people believe will heal you?

Time.

But time isn't the magical healer they all think it is.

It's more like this:

Without proper support, trauma symptoms can get worse over time. Survivors tend to develop coping mechanisms that work for a while but are usually toxic in the long run.

Professional mental health support gives a survivor a structured way to work through their trauma. Trained therapists can guide the healing process by helping survivors process the event safely and in a controlled environment.

Just like you wouldn't try to fix a broken bone on your own. Mental health trauma deserves the same level of professional care. In fact, the earlier you get treatment, the better long-term results are.

Types Of Therapy That Work

Not all therapy is created equal in the world of trauma recovery.

Some methods have way more research supporting them than others. Let's take a look at the most effective evidence-based treatments for assault survivors:

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

TF-CBT is used to help survivors break the cycle of negative thoughts related to their trauma. It's one of the most commonly studied and clinically proven methods for PTSD treatment.

The therapy works by safely processing traumatic memories, developing coping skills for anxiety and stress, changing negative beliefs about self and the world, and facing trauma reminders in a controlled way over time. Research has shown TF-CBT to result in significant PTSD symptom improvement with results lasting years after therapy ends.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

EMDR is a bit on the odd side but don't let that fool you. This therapy method works.

It involves bilateral stimulation like guided eye movements while recalling and processing traumatic memories.

The cool thing about it is:

EMDR can work in a shorter period compared to traditional talk therapy. Many people report improvements after a few sessions only.

Cognitive Processing Therapy

CPT was actually developed specifically for sexual assault survivors. It is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy focused on the relationships between thoughts and feelings.

This approach of therapy hones in on the various themes of self-blame, safety and trust, power and control, and intimacy issues. Research has shown CPT to be an excellent option in the reduction of PTSD symptoms as well as depression and anxiety in assault survivors.

Creating A Support Network

Professional therapy is crucial but not the only form of support survivors need.

Creating a robust support network makes the road to recovery less isolating. 82% of women have reported having faced sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime in a recent study.

The key thing is:

Know that you are not alone. Surround yourself with people who believe you, support you, and respect your boundaries. This may mean friends, family, support groups, or even online communities of fellow survivors.

Support groups for assault survivors are one of the best tools in the recovery process.

Connecting with others who truly understand what you are going through will ease some of that shame and isolation you feel. Survivors in support groups tend to report feeling less alone, more hopeful for recovery, believed, and validated, and more connected to resources.

The power of shared experiences cannot be underestimated in the recovery process.

Self-Care Tips For Daily Life

Healing and recovery don't stop when you walk out of a therapy appointment.

Daily self-care is another essential part of trauma recovery. Don't dismiss these small things as not being important. Daily self-care tips help a survivor manage symptoms and build resilience over time.

Physical Self-Care

Your body holds onto trauma as well. Taking care of your physical health can aid in your mental health recovery. Exercise, healthy eating, enough sleep, regular routines, avoiding excessive drinking or drug use, and medical check-ups when necessary.

Physical activity in particular is known to help lower PTSD symptoms as it allows you to release the tension built up in the body.

Emotional Self-Care

Learning to manage your emotions takes practice but it is worth it. Helpful tools and techniques include deep breathing exercises, meditation, journaling, art or music, and grounding during flashbacks. Learn to sit with and process difficult emotions without becoming overwhelmed.

Boundaries

Learning to say no is a vital skill for survivors.

Setting healthy boundaries will protect your energy and create space for healing. This includes taking a step back when needed, setting limits with people who don't have your best interest, and prioritizing your needs above all.

Don't forget:

You are the only person who can decide how long your recovery takes. Don't let anyone rush you or try to tell you how you "should" feel.

Wrap Up

Trauma care after sexual assault is one of the toughest paths one can ever be put on.

But you are not alone, there are resources, there is help and you absolutely can recover from this. With the right mental health support, scientifically proven therapy, and a strong support network.

The mental health impact of assault is real and very significant. Professional support can truly make a difference in a survivor's outcome. Trauma-Focused CBT, EMDR, and CPT have tons of research behind them and help thousands of survivors each year.

The Bottom Line

Don't suffer in silence. Recovery is possible and you deserve to heal from this trauma. Be patient with yourself and take it one day at a time. You've got this!