Emotional & Physical Response
If you are having a severe response, including but not limited to self-harming or suicidal thoughts or behaviors, get immediate help by going to your local emergency department or call 911.
Not sure what level of care you need? Learn more about where to seek care.
You may experience a range of emotions and physical responses after a sexual assault. These feelings can surface at any time, whether immediately after an assault or many weeks and/or months later. Not everyone goes through the same emotions or time frame.
These responses may include:
- Nightmares or sleeplessness
- Intense or uncontrollable anger
- Uncontrollable crying, depression or feelings of despair
- Loss of self-confidence or feelings of powerlessness
- Anxiety or mood swings
- Self-destructive behavior
- Distrust of other people
- Inability to concentrate
- Guilt or shame
- Sexual relationship issues with partner
- Nausea, sweating or uncontrollable shaking
- Increased or decreased appetite
Please know that these responses, although very normal to experience, are not always easy to get through. Your family and friends can be a large part of your support system and help you through some of these issues.
We recommend you seek help through a sexual assault advocacy center or call their 24-hour crisis line. A survivor who has experienced one or more of these symptoms for longer than two to four months may want to call the crisis line for a referral to a therapist and/or for information about available support groups.