Mental Health Care Tips To Support Sexual Assault Survivors; Expert Weighs In

The sexual assault survivors don’t just get ‘over it’ even if the court does them justice. The trauma that gets engraved on their body and souls can have a lot of repercussions like PTSD and other mental health disorders. Taking care of their mental health is a major part of their journey in dealing with the aftermath of the horrific incidents. In this article, we will share some tips that can help the survivors and those around them take care of the victim’s mental health, based on the insights shared by our expert, mental wellness and personal transformation coach, Kiara.

Importance Of Mental Health Care For Sexual Assault Survivors

Kiara said, “Mental health care is extremely important for sexual assault survivors for support in the survivors’ recovery journey and well-being. The shock and agony of sexual assault can lead to possible psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, followed by anxiety and depression and also, an immense amount of fear.”

Such incidents leave the victims with the inability to trust other people, leading to suicidal thoughts in their minds. To deal with such challenges, effective mental health care is essential. It helps create a safe space for survivors to confront their trauma, accept it, and finally, move on. “Therapists skilled in trauma-informed care offer an environment where survivors can discuss their emotions, fears, and experiences without judgement and the feeling of embarrassment. This supportive relationship is crucial for their emotional recovery. Very often, the survivor has such extreme feelings of embarrassment that they are unable to even consider living their life or face society,” added Kiara. (How To Stop Feeling Like A Failure?)

Don't Miss:Why Do Men Feel Entitled To Punish Women For Their Choices?

She also talked about how therapeutic techniques like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can be effective in treating trauma-related symptoms. Such therapy techniques are often focused on changing survivors’ perspectives and disrupting their negative thought patterns to eliminate suicidal thoughts or thoughts of guilt.

“Support groups also play an important role in mental health care for sexual assault survivors. This helps them realise they’re not alone in going through such a gruesome experience. Sharing and hearing others' stories in these groups can be both validating and help them understand that life can continue after such a traumatic incident, and that it is not their fault,” said Kiara.

Don't Miss:Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case: "Horrifying Reminder Of Humanity's Lowest Points"

If you liked this story, then please share it. To read more such stories, stay connected to HerZindagi.