Mental Health Resources for Sexual Assault Survivors
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or "PTSD" is a mental health condition that a person has because of their past traumatic events. In fact, one common traumatic event that many PTSD survivors have gone through is sexual assault. The experience of sexual assault is horrible and sad for everyone who suffered from it.
For PTSD sexual assault survivors, no matter what type of sexual violence they had experienced, the memories from the abuse would bring on long term mental health problems for them. Additionally, survivors of sexual assault would develop further psychological, emotional, and physical health symptoms of PTSD. Some of the common PTSD symptoms are mood swings, insomnia, and panic attacks. Fortunately, there are now many mental health resources to help sexual abuse victims return to a joyful life.
The mental health resources for sexual assault survivors to check out
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the United States. It has a phone number that everyone can call: 800-656-4673. Additionally, RAINN has online chat hotline services for various people such as Spanish-speakers, military veterans, and male survivors. Wild Tree Psychotherapy, a psychological clinic in Minnesota, provides a holistic approach to treatment. This holistic approach focuses on mind-body health across the lifespan and the clinic also provides telemedicine mental health services for all ages as well.
Real World Health Care is a nonprofit sponsored by the HealthWell Foundation. The nonprofit listed some recommendations from Mental Health First Aid on how to find the right therapist. PATH (Providing Access To Help) has a resource directory for sexual assault counseling. Furthermore, it allows people to refine search results depending on the zip code and/or city. Therapy Insider lists diverse resources and programs for teens, young adults, and other youth who are going through difficult times. That also includes services for those who went through child sexual abuse. For survivors who want to ease their symptoms of PTSD now, the SGB (Stellate Ganglion Block) procedure allows survivors to find relief. The SGB PTSD treatment reduces the nerve impulses and messages sent to the brain center. The PTSD SGB treatment is one extraordinary procedure that survivors can consider checking out too.
Understanding sexual assault
According to MedlinePlus, sexual assault is any sexual activity to which anyone has not freely given their consent to others. The unwanted sexual activities and behaviors that many victims of sexual assault experienced include but not limited to attempted rape, unwanted touching, and being forced to perform sexual acts. As a result, many sexual assault survivors, particularly those with PTSD, would later develop upsetting flashbacks. These flashbacks would make survivors feel more distant, anxious, and reluctant to pursue any treatments or visits to the doctors.
Dr. Judith Joseph, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, recommended survivors to find a way to immediately distract themselves. By doing that, any sexual assault survivor, or people having PTSD in general, can successfully conduct their recovery process. Having great mental health is important and getting access to right mental health resources is one of the major things to help PTSD victims even more in terms of recovering from the trauma of sexual assault. For many people who have a friend or a family member who experienced sexual assault, the most important thing is always let them know they are not alone and that they will always help people who support and love them unconditionally.