Survivor Kit > How You May Feel

After experiencing a rape or other type of sexual assault, or an attempted sexual assault, there are certain psychological responses that man pccur. These symptoms (known as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome) are a normal response to severe trauma.

Normal responses include:

1. RE-EXPERIENCING THE TRAUMA

• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Intrusive images
• Recurring memories of assault
• Intensive distress when reminded of the event
  (like the anniversary date)
• Physical reations to reminders of the trauma
  (trembling, heart pounding, etc.)

2. INCREASED ANXIETY, FEARFUL FEELINGS

• Difficulty falling and/or staying asleep
• Irritability and feelings of anger
• Difficulty with concentration
• Fears about personal safety
• Feeling jumpy, reactive

3. CHANGES IN USUAL REACTIONS AND FEELINGS

• Feelings of depression and sadness
• Tearfulness
• Avoiding thoughts or feelings about the assault
• Avoiding activities that remind you of the assault
• Unable to remember some or all of what happened
• Less interest or no interest in daily activities
• Feelign detached and alienated from others
• Not able to feel your full range of emotions
• Feeling hopeless, or a loss of a sense of the future

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