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As survivors of sexual assault and rape, our reactions to lifes events are different from those who have never been assaulted. What counselors refer to as a "crisis" is in lay terms an experience which would normally be insignificant. Because of the perceptions of the individual--the resulting stress is too great and causes an inability to maintain our sense of balance.
Our perception of the stressful event, no matter how minute it actually is, may be that of a frightening threat or even a dibilitating loss. It is possible the we may perceive it as some insurmountable challenge. Fear and confusion may become constant companions. It is when we feel the most overwhelmed that the state of crisis begins. When we are in crisis, we are not ill or weak, even though we may feel as if we are. What we are really experiencing is a struggle--a valid struggle with our current life situation. Our present home environment as well as everything from our upbringing, to our education, to our relationships with others, to our chosen professions--colors the glasses we use to look at the world through. They create a filter, and every time something happens to us, our reaction to it is pre-determined by our past. As survivors, we need to be constantly aware of our feelings. We must develop an awareness of them so that we may be able to side step potential problems stemming from the mood swings. This awareness is a step towards regaining control over our lives. Some of the most common long term feelings that we as survivors of sexual assault may experience include, but are not limited to, a sense of ambivalence, anger, anxiety, a decreased self-image, hopelessness, powerlessness, and shame. These may last for months or even years. So don't expect to be free of them overnight. It will take time and effort to work through them and turn them into something that is positive in your life. Some of our more immediate reactions to a sexual assault usually begin with shock and is sometimes accompanied by hostility towards family and friends--anyone who we perceive as trying to help. We may begin having nightmares--extreemly vivid and violent nightmares--the kind that causes you to awaken abruptly in a cold sweat. We may begin to notice that our comfort levels around acquaintences and strangers has changed, gradually at first, but then we notice that we are taking drastic measures to avoid being around them--especially alone. We may begin to make changes in our normal lifestyles to accomodate our newly established fears. Go To Page: 1 2 |
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