Rape is a crisis in one’s life. Regardless of the circumstances, recovering from trauma of this nature may take a long time. Survivors sometimes develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Specific triggers may cause them to have flashbacks about the traumatic experience, making it difficult to move forward.
If you experience PTSD from rape, hope is here at Recovery Ranch. We understand the unique needs of those who have experienced this type of trauma, and our PTSD treatment center provides a safe and supportive environment where you can begin the healing process. Contact us at 1.844.876.7680 to learn more about how we can help you live a higher quality life.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event. Symptoms may include:
- Disturbing thoughts, feelings, and dreams related to the event
- Feeling emotionally numb
- Avoiding activities or situations that remind one of the trauma
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
- Intense distress when confronted with reminders of the trauma
- Physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, nausea, or chest pain
Depression, substance use disorders, and other problems often accompany PTSD.
Why Do People Develop PTSD from Rape?
People who have experienced rape are at risk of developing PTSD. Victims may feel a sense of terror, guilt, or shame after the traumatic experience, causing physical symptoms such as increased heart rate and difficulty breathing. Additionally, they may relive the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares.
Distress associated with PTSD is intense; the person is constantly alert for danger or emotionally overwhelmed. Furthermore, because of the extreme emotions involved in these experiences, people may struggle to come to terms with what happened. Finally, feelings of helplessness and isolation may arise as survivors have difficulty trusting people.
A Timeline for Recovering from PTSD
The Initial Aftermath
The stage of rape recovery in the initial aftermath is the emergency phase. During this time, the victim comes to grips with reality and accepts what has happened to them–a process that may take days, months, or years. They must decide to heal, tell others about what happened, and get professional help.
Processing the Rape
This recovery phase, for most survivors, lasts a lifetime, though it gets easier to manage with time. Processing means that the victim integrates the rape into their life experience. The victim doesn’t necessarily need to make peace with it, but they need to see its impact on their life, which can help them regain power.
During the processing phase, seeking trauma-informed care at a PTSD treatment center can help survivors heal. Trauma-informed care acknowledges what victims have endured and offers support in an environment where they can feel safe disclosing their experiences. This care allows individuals to build self-efficacy, resilience, and coping skills and may include a combination of the following:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
In addition to therapy, healthcare providers may offer medications to help manage symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
How Long Will it Take?
The answer to this question is elusive, as recovery takes time and is non-linear. All survivors can do is keep putting one foot in front of the other. Getting plenty of rest and engaging in self-care activities between counseling and treatment sessions can help those affected feel more at ease as they continue their healing journeys.
Seek Trauma-Informed Care at Recovery Ranch
If you have PTSD from rape, Recovery Ranch can help. We provide trauma-informed care designed to meet your individual needs. Our compassionate PTSD treatment center staff will work with you on developing skills and strategies for recovering from trauma.
At The Ranch, our caring approach considers your emotional well-being and creates a safe space where you can heal. Our team of professionals understands the unique needs associated with recovering from trauma. Take the first step toward recovering from PTSD and reclaiming your life by calling 1.844.876.7680 or filling out our web form.
