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Reactions
There are many reactions that survivors of rape and sexual assault can have. But for adult survivors of childhood abuse there are reactions that may either be different or stronger than for other survivors. More
What are Flashbacks?
Flashbacks are when memories of past traumas feel as if they are taking place in the current moment.
These memories can take many forms: dreams, sounds, smells, images, body sensations, or overwhelming emotions. This re-experience of the trauma often seems to come from nowhere and, therefore, blurs the lines between past and present, leaving the individual feeling anxious, scared, powerless, or any other emotions that they felt at the time of the trauma.
Some flashbacks are mild and brief, a passing moment, while others may be powerful and last a long time. Many times the individual does not even realize that he or she is having a flashback and may feel faint or dissociate.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a normal human reaction to an extreme or abnormal situation. Each person has a different threshold for what is perceived as a traumatic event. PTSD is not a rare or unusual occurrence, in fact, many people experience PTSD as a result of a traumatic experience such as rape or sexual assault.
You may be experiencing PTSD if, following an event where you experienced or were confronted with actual or threatened injury or a threat to your physical integrity, you have:
- · shown symptoms of intense horror, helplessness, or fear
- · experienced distressing memories of the event (e.g., flashbacks, including nightmares)
- · regularly avoided things or triggers that remind you of the event (e.g., people, places, things, etc.)
- · shown significant impairment or distress due to the event
- · shown at least two symptoms of increased arousal (e.g., sleep difficulties, difficulty concentrating, hypervigilance, an exaggerated startle response, or irritability or outbursts of anger/rage)
- · experienced these things for at least a month
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