PTSD is defined as an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to one or more traumatic events that threatened or caused grave physical harm. PTSD affects over 7.8 million people and can manifest itself in many different ways, ranging from sleeplessness and flashbacks to self-injury and avoidance of others. The effects of PTSD can be extremely difficult to manage alone or even worsen over time if not addressed properly. There are links below covering many aspects of PTSD. If you feel that we are missing something, please Email Us and we will do what we can to find relevant help for you.
National Center for PTSD
PTSD & Memory Loss
Rape Trauma Syndrome
Online community and resource center for survivors of sexual violence.
Sleeplessness
and Flashbacks:
For many survivors, sleep can be so illusive. There are many options for making sleep a little easier, although what works for one may not work for others. Below are sites that offer different helpful tips and tricks to help you fall asleep.
Sleepnet- Everything you wanted to know about sleep disorders but were too tired to ask
Flashbacks are something that most survivors deal with at one point or another. They can happen anywhere and are both frightening and embarrassing. The important thing to do is remember your present surroundings. Eventually these will go away; and one day the memories and flashbacks will begin to fade into your past.
RAINN- What to do during a flashback
HopeforHealing: Flashbacks- A natural process
After Silence- Flashbacks
Self-Injury and Suicide
READ THIS FIRST!
Sometimes the painful aftermath of sexual violence can seem too hard to handle. Many survivors feel that they just can not continue to struggling with feelings of despair, worthlessness or hopelessness after an attack. Some instead turn to self-injury to attempt to control the pain they feel, or out of desperation to feel something at all when the trauma leaves them numb. If you find yourself fighting a desire to hurt yourself, please visit the above link. There is also a list you can print here that serves as a reminder to yourself of what you enjoy and who cares about you. Print it out and take it to heart. There is also a free, confidential, 24-hour Suicide Intervention Hotline at 1-800-784-2433. Get help now. You are worth it.
Self-Injury Hotline- 1-800-DONT CUT (366-8288)
Men can be victimized too. You don't have to be ashamed to get the help you need.
Information for male survivors
Trich.org - trichotillomania help
Agoraphobia information and help
Natural help for anxiety and panic attacks
For many survivors, sleep can be so illusive. There are many options for making sleep a little easier, although what works for one may not work for others. Below are sites that offer different helpful tips and tricks to help you fall asleep.
Sleepnet- Everything you wanted to know about sleep disorders but were too tired to ask
Flashbacks are something that most survivors deal with at one point or another. They can happen anywhere and are both frightening and embarrassing. The important thing to do is remember your present surroundings. Eventually these will go away; and one day the memories and flashbacks will begin to fade into your past.
RAINN- What to do during a flashback
HopeforHealing: Flashbacks- A natural process
After Silence- Flashbacks
Self-Injury and Suicide
READ THIS FIRST!
Sometimes the painful aftermath of sexual violence can seem too hard to handle. Many survivors feel that they just can not continue to struggling with feelings of despair, worthlessness or hopelessness after an attack. Some instead turn to self-injury to attempt to control the pain they feel, or out of desperation to feel something at all when the trauma leaves them numb. If you find yourself fighting a desire to hurt yourself, please visit the above link. There is also a list you can print here that serves as a reminder to yourself of what you enjoy and who cares about you. Print it out and take it to heart. There is also a free, confidential, 24-hour Suicide Intervention Hotline at 1-800-784-2433. Get help now. You are worth it.
Self-Injury Hotline- 1-800-DONT CUT (366-8288)
Men can be victimized too. You don't have to be ashamed to get the help you need.
Information for male survivors
Trich.org - trichotillomania help
Agoraphobia information and help
Natural help for anxiety and panic attacks
PTSD and the Physical Aftermath
Points with Purpose
A unique work of art representing survivors of sexual violence.
A unique work of art representing survivors of sexual violence.
Victims of rape and abuse suffer long after the attack is over. If you are struggling with the aftermath, we hope you find this site helpful. Below is information about the various effects of sexual violence, tips for recovery and other useful resources.