The Impacts of Sexual Assault on Mental Health & How to Find Help

Long after the bruises and physical damage have disappeared from view, sexual assault survivors are often left battling the internal effects that can haunt them for years.

Whether the assault happened last week or two years ago, sexual assault survivors can continue to feel the impact on their mental health as if the attack happened that day. If you or someone you love has been a victim of a sexual assault, know that you are not alone in feeling these effects.

According to the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), 30% of women continue to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms nine months after being raped. 33% of women who are raped consider suicide and 13% attempt it.

These are just a few statistics that demonstrate the heavy impact that a sexual assault can have on its victims.

What is sexual assault?

Mental Health America (MHA) defines a sexual assault as “sexual behavior that occurs without the clear consent of the victim.” Since consent is not given, sexual acts (in any form) are forced on the victim. Force includes coercion, manipulation, physical force, threats, and any situation in which the victim is unable to grant consent.

Examples of sexual assault may include but are not limited to:

• Attempted rape
• Fondling or unwanted sexual touching
• Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts
• Penetration of the victim’s body (rape)
• Sexual harassment

According to RAINN, every 68 seconds an American is sexually assaulted. RAINN also reports that eight out of ten rapes are committed by someone the victim knows.

Here are some additional statistics provided by RAINN:

• 1 in 6 women has reported being raped (attempted or completed) in their lifetime.
• 1 in 33 men has reported being raped (attempted or completed) in their lifetime.
• Women in college are 3 times as likely to be sexually assaulted as other women.
• 1 in 2 transgender people are victims of sexual violence.
• Native Americans are more than twice as likely to be sexually assaulted than any other race.
• 55% of sexual assaults occur at or near the victim’s home.

This information shows that anyone can be a victim of a sexual assault. And, anyone who is a victim can suffer from its effects on their mental health.

How does sexual assault impact mental health?

Sexual assault survivors can experience short or long-term mental health effects. Many survivors report feeling confusion, embarrassment, guilt, isolation, shock, shame, and terror. Some survivors may also experience flashbacks of the assault for months afterward.

Sexual assault survivors may be at risk of these psychological effects:

• Anxiety disorders
• Attachment issues
• Avoidance of certain places/things related to the event
• Depression
• Dissociation
• Eating disorders
• Feelings of shame or guilt
• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Mood swings
• Personality disruptions
• PTSD
• Self-mutilation
• Sleep disorders
• Social isolation or withdrawal
• Substance use disorders
• Suicidal thoughts or actions
• Withdrawal or isolation

Here is a closer look at several of the more common types of mental health issues that impact sexual assault survivors.

Post-traumatic stress

As already mentioned, many sexual assault survivors report having flashbacks of their attack. These flashbacks can create intense moments for survivors as if they were experiencing the assault all over again.

Flashbacks can be triggered by smells, noises, places, people, and any number of other things. When they happen, survivors frequently lose track of their surroundings as if in a daze while they relive the attack in their minds.

VeryWell Mind indicates that one study shows up to 45% of survivors report suffering from PTSD symptoms. Beyond flashbacks, other PTSD symptoms may include body aches, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and nightmares.

Depression

Sexual assault survivors often report feeling like their body is not their own after the assault. They also frequently feel like they are at fault. This detachment from their body or feeling of guilt leads them to experience lower self-esteem.

As a result, many survivors feel depressed. This can be mild and short-lived for some. But, it can also be intense and persist for long periods of time for others. Everyone feels differently and in their own way.

Depression can be exacerbated if survivors feel unheard or invalidated. This can occur if they experience unsupportive loved ones or encounter negative reactions from a professional. A previous assault can also complicate their feelings of hopelessness.

Anxiety

Many survivors report that they feel unsafe. It is common for them to fear that they will be assaulted again. This causes severe anxiety, and it can come in different forms.

Some sexual assault survivors experience panic attacks where their heart rate increases, and may feel like they’re struggling to breathe. Other survivors develop agoraphobia, which is an extreme fear of leaving one’s home or being in crowded places.

Another type of anxiety occurs when survivors develop a chronic fear based on the person who assaulted them. If they meet or come across anyone with a similar look or demeanor to their attacker, survivors may fear or dislike that person for no other reason than those similarities.

Substance use

Survivors may turn to substance use to help numb their pain. As they take drugs or drink alcohol, they are seeking relief from their memories and feelings. While this might provide temporary relief, it can easily turn into an addiction as they continue to use it as a coping mechanism.

According to the American Addiction Centers, sexual assault survivors are 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol and 26 times more likely to abuse drugs.

How do you find help for yourself or a loved one?

While some of these symptoms may resolve themselves over time, there may be the need to seek professional help to deal with symptoms that linger or worsen. When seeking the help of a mental health professional, it is important to find a program that supports your specific needs.

Individual therapy

Talking one-on-one with a mental health professional can help you work through your specific mental health issues. When you feel ready, find someone in your local area who specializes in trauma or sexual assault recovery. If you do not feel comfortable with the first therapist, try again until you have found someone that works for you.

Therapists have a variety of treatment options that they may suggest based on your specific experience and symptoms. Some may be outpatient, meaning that you stay in your home and visit your therapist in their office as needed. Based on your symptoms, they may suggest an inpatient program. This is where you stay at a facility and participate in their program every day until complete.

Talk with a mental health professional to discuss what treatment options might be best for you.

Group therapy

In addition to individual therapy sessions, you might want to consider attending group therapy. In fact, your therapist might offer this as an option as part of your recovery program.

Group therapy creates an environment where individuals who have similar experiences can talk with each other. Group therapy is overseen by a mental health professional who helps to set boundaries, guide the discussion, and present learning opportunities.

One of the major benefits of group therapy is being able to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others who have been in a similar situation. This can help to alleviate the feeling that you are alone. It also allows the group to support and learn from each other.

There are therapy groups that fit a variety of needs. For example, there are groups based on race, gender, sexuality, age, and situation. Find a group that suits you and your needs.

Self-care

In addition to seeking professional help as needed, be sure to take time for your own self-care. Here are things that you can do to help yourself.

• Spend time with loved ones. Rely on those in your life who support you. Spending time with them can be as simple as talking or going for a walk.
• Use relaxation methods. This can be anything from meditation, prayer, sitting in nature, or listening to calming music. Repeat those things that help you feel calm and at peace.
• Go for a walk outside. Gently moving your body can help relieve stress and regulate your emotions. Walking outside gives you a chance to soak in some sunshine and get fresh air.
• Keep a journal. This allows you to write whatever you want to help you process your emotions and experiences. If you’re not sure what to write, just start with how you feel at that moment. Let the rest come out naturally. No one will see this but you.
• Do things that make you happy. This one will differ for everyone. Find things that make you happy and do them as often as you can. If you like to cook, then cook. If you like to play the piano, play it. If you like to put together puzzles, do that. This helps you to celebrate yourself and who you are as a person.
• Be gentle with yourself. Healing takes time. The recovery process will vary from person to person. Be gentle with yourself. It is okay to say “no” to things you do not want to do. One day you might feel great and the next day you want to stay in bed. This is okay. Just take it one day at a time and at your own pace.

Helping a loved one

If someone you know is a sexual assault survivor, here are things you can do to help.

• Listen. Don’t pressure them to talk. When they are ready, just listen and be supportive. You don’t need to try to fix it. They just want to be heard and validated.
• Avoid blame. Don’t focus on the event. And do not ask “why” or any questions that place blame. You want them to feel that you believe them and that they are not to blame. Both of these are common feelings among survivors.
• Do not pressure. As you listen, don’t place pressure on them to take certain steps, even if you’re only doing it to help. Just support them as they decide how to move forward.
• Offer help. Be willing to help how and when it’s needed. This might be as simple as being a listening ear. If they do decide to seek professional help, offer to help find someone or to drive them to their appointments.

Resources

The Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN) provides additional resources for sexual assault survivors and loved ones. This list includes general resources in addition to resources based on gender, race, age, and circumstance.

RAINN runs the National Sexual Assault Hotline. Call them at 800.656.HOPE (4673). They can connect you with a trained professional in your area.

If you live in Southern California, Jackson House offers evidence-based treatment programs to meet your mental health needs. We take a personalized approach with their clients while helping them find which options are best for them. We have a trained and compassionate team of mental health professionals to oversee your road to recovery. Get your life back today by scheduling a free consultation to see if a Jackson House program is right for you.