It's hard hon. I'm wondering if you could even take the medical route first. For ptsd, there is a checklist to be diagnosed and a medical doctor does that and treats for it. Is there any way you can talk to your doctor?
I am sure he is eager to have things feel 'normal' but this takes time. Just keep communicating with him. What you are feeling is real and valid and sex should be mutually enjoyed. You'll get back to that but have to deal with the aftermath of the rape first. I wish you so much luck. I am glad you have a friend to talk to. Consider if you can find a way to do counseling as that would be wonderful for you. peace
I've not had the opportunity to recieve counselling for it. I do have a very good friend who was also raped around the same age as i was. I have told him and for the most part he understands. He was sexually abused by a family friend and i think he expects me to be able to deal with it as easily as he did but i cant. I do understand that its ptsd and i'vebeen looking for help.
Hi there, agree with mommabear that you sound like you have symptoms of ptsd. Is counseling an option? YWCA's offer services to women and many counseling centers offer sliding fee scales for those without insurance. There are also clinics for counseling. It would be so helpful. PTSD responds really well to a combination of counseling and medication. the medications these days are really well tolerated. I know luvox is one often used and have heard good things about.
How supportive is your boyfriend? This is hard stuff. You are dealing with BIG things after the rape. I would be very open with him that you are suffering right now BUT are working on it and wANT your relationship to go back to normal. Hopefully he will see you trying to work on this and will stand by you.
Hard stuff and I'm so sorry you've had to go through any of it. peace and hugs
It sounds like you are possibly suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, which is common after being sexually assaulted. As you were so young when it happened, you would be less likely to recieve counselling - did you? Have you ever sought professional help to deal with your thoughts and anxiety round sexual activity? It's common to be scared and nervous about having an intimate relationship after a sexual asault, I was raped when I was 21 by someone that I knew, and I broke up with my then-boyfriend shortly thereafter. Although I didn't get professional counselling afterwards, I do have an excellent friend network who helped me through. And I was able to help my friend when she was raped on holiday two years later. HAve you told your boyfriend what happened to you? Maybe you should sit down and speak to him about what happened to you. I did that with my BF, we had been together for 3 months before I told him and it was the hardest thing I have ever done, but he accepted it, helped me through and helped me to get my confidence levels right back up and we now have a two month old baby, and it's coming up 5 years since we got together. Feel free to PM me if you want :) As well as personal experience if sexual assault, I've also done my Psychiatric Nursing Degree x