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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as PTSD, can occur after any traumatic situation. Many tend to associate the post traumatic syndrome with somebody who has been in a war, and this misconception undermines other forms of trauma. Somebody who has been in a car accident, for example, may also struggle with the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder
It is important not to judge “which situation is worse” because PTSD will stem from the personal experience and the level of stress involved. This article discusses a very particular type of trauma and the varying levels of PTSD that may occur as a result.
What is Post Rape Syndrome?
Post rape syndrome is a very normal, and very human, reaction to an extreme or abnormal situation. Our bodies are capable of handling normal amounts of stress, and some things just do not fall under the category of a normal amount of stress. Post Rape Stress Disorder is the post traumatic stress syndrome that a rape victim will develop.
There is limited information available about post rape stress disorder, because this psychological disorder is generally classifies as a post traumatic stress syndrome. The symptoms are very similar, but there should be more awareness of the specific symptoms that are unique to post rape syndrome.
The Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
The symptoms of PTSD vary from one individual to the next, as does the severity of the disruption in one’s ability to live a normal life. However, one does not need to experience each of the PTSD symptoms. If you think you might be suffering PTSD, please speak to your doctor for a more specific and accurate assessment.
* Frequently having upsetting thoughts or memories of the experience.
* Recurring nightmares
* “Flashbacks” (acting, or feeling, as though the experience is happening again.)
* Very strong feelings of distress when reminded of the event
* Strong physical responses when reminded of the event (increased heart rate or sweating, for example.)
* Making a strong effort to avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations about the event
* Making a strong effort to avoid places, people, or anything that might trigger a reminder of the event
* Having a difficult time remembering important parts of the traumatic event
* A loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
* Feeling distant from others; isolating yourself; withdrawn; intense feelings that “nobody understands”
* Difficulty feeling positive emotions (such as happiness or love)
* Feeling as though your life may be cut short
* Sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep)
* Feeling irritable, frequent mood changes, angry outbursts
* Difficulty concentrating
* Feeling jumpy, constantly on guard, anxious
Source: http://ptsd.about.com/od/symptomsanddiagnosis/a/PTSDsymptoms.htm
Symptoms that are Unique to Post Rape Syndrome
Because every individual is different, there is no cookie cutter approach taken to assess the possibility of a disorder. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder that can severely affect the ability to function normally in life. If you, or somebody you know, is a rape victim… please talk to a doctor about post rape stress disorder.
After a rape, it may take weeks, months, even years for any of the symptoms of post rape stress disorder to become apparent. The natural first reaction to a highly stressful situation is to avoid it by not thinking about it, not talking about it, even pretending it never happened.
It can be very painful to talk about something as traumatic as rape, but the longer a person “buries” those emotions, the deeper they become. When the time comes to ‘deal’ with these emotions, a person may become overwhelmed.
Some victims of post rape syndrome may first act out against these feelings by becoming promiscuous, and this is a very normal behavior for those who aren’t prepared to face their reality yet. Unfortunately this is also a dangerous reaction to take.
Others do not act so extremely. The other side of the scale can be just as painful because a rape victim who has not faced their reality yet is likely to altogether avoid sex. This can be further damaging to relationships, and that is why it’s very important to focus specifically on post rape syndrome instead of generalizing the symptoms.
For example, a victim of rape may “give in” to a partner to satisfy his (or her) sexual needs even though (s)he is not ready yet. This is the worst thing a rape victim can do, but it is very common.
Avoidance is an important part of healing, but the anxiety incurred in post traumatic stress disorder is an unhealthy form of avoidance. A traumatic event will leave one feeling overly vulnerable and helpless, so much so that he or she naturally responds by putting up indestructible walls of protection.
These walls, however, work more as a prison than protection. When an individual is ready to regain control of his or her life, those walls must come down.
What Loved Ones Can Do to Help A Rape Victim With PTSD
If you, or somebody you know, is suffering post rape syndrome then many of the tips for helping somebody with post traumatic stress disorder should be followed. However, specific steps should be taken because post rape syndrome is unique.
Friends and family should frequently encourage an individual to talk… when (s)he is ready to talk. Do not push him or her to talk before they are ready, but make every effort possible to push them into being ready.
Offer support when they do show an interest in talking. While the emotions expressed may be difficult, your reactions are what matter most.
Encourage a loved one to seek counseling. Medication may be available to help with anxiety and depression, if appropriate.
Be patient. It may take a long time before somebody is ready but your support will encourage the healing process.
Add a Comment4 Comments
happene to me about he do Rape to on my Bed to and he name is Brian
January 17, 2011 - 4:31pmThis Comment
I was raped years ago, but recently attacked at work by a male patient. The attack was not sexual, just physical. I started having recurrent dreams of the rape. I can.t sleep. I wake up profusely sweating and shaking. I am unable to have sex with my partner, I have such anxiety just thinking of it. Any comments that would help me will be appreciated. To Make matters worse, my twin sister died in March, and I am sinking so deep into depression. Because of my job, and questions on renewal of lic. I am fearful of seeking treatment. When you are investigated for jobs now, it might show up that I was treated for a mental disorder.
July 16, 2009 - 2:34pmThis Comment
Thank you for your comment! I would like everybody who reads this article to know that I am currently in the process of an entire series on the topic of post rape syndrome. There is a shortage of information available for women struggling with this disorder, completely unaware of the damages it causes (or how to take control back) and I intend to change that!
The next few articles focus on rebuilding intimacy with a partner when you are suffering post rape syndrome. I recognize that post rapy syndrome is its own form of sexual disorder, and would like to help those who want to rebuild healthy relationships without leaving their own comfort zones.
A quick tip, for those considering therapy when you are not ready to willingly discuss it: there is no rush to talk about those things. However, you should begin counseling as soon as possible. You can talk about anything you want to talk about, to get comfortable with your counselor. If you are not comfortable with your counselor, you can find another one. It is easier to speak to a counselor about those things, when you are ready, than it is to speak to a friend. However, you will be more comfortable speaking to a counselor who you already feel comfortable with.
April 12, 2009 - 6:34amThis Comment
AnneOminous,
Thank you so much for writing such a clear, informative post about post-rape syndrome. I see that already, it has 228 reads -- that tells me that the topic resonates with a lot of women. Clearly there's a need for this information.
I wonder if you might write about therapy for those with post-rape traumatic stress? Specifically, how does a woman who has been raped -- and can barely think about it, much less talk about it -- go about getting help for something that has affected her this deeply and profoundly?
April 12, 2009 - 6:02amThis Comment