What should I do?

Question

So i was raped back in october. It was pretty traumatic but i never really opened up about it to people and i just kept it hidden. But these past few weeks i keep having these flashbacks to the night and i would remember how it felt blah blah. I was just wondering what i should do. Like idk if i should open up to people or not. Like its really hard for me to because i might end up crying, and i dont like crying in front of other people, hence why i just avoid telling people in general.

Answer

Look into local agencies that specialize in working with rape survivors. Many offer counseling at little or no cost. If you're a student there should be a counseling office on campus that can help or make referrals.

As for opening up to others, it can go either way. Sometimes you'll get awesome support, sometimes people are shaming blaming jerks. I'd start with a professional and follow their guidance.

Answer

I went through something similar to this. It wasn't rape, but I was molested and orally raped as a child. When I first seriously talked about it to someone I trusted (which was my boyfriend), I suddenly bursted into tears and started to freak out, twitch, and shake. He was there to support me and helped me calm down from my episode. After being more open and talking to him about it, I don't have these episodes as much anymore, and sometimes they're even just minor versions of it. 
You don't have to open up to someone close to you though if you don't want to, and that's okay. I can understand why since you're not sure how they might react. You could always turn to groups/organizations and counseling that are specifically made to help others in your situation.

Answer

Call the police and report them if you're able to. And it's good to open up to someone you trust. Possibly parents or a close friend. Sorry this happened to you.

Answer

I'd say you can take small steps into opening up. A pace you are comfortable with. Check out RAINN. It's the hotline for sexual assault. They also have online resources. Perhaps starting with this and then you can work towards speaking to family/friends about it? Perhaps you will feel comfortable with seeing  a therapist and reporting the perpetrator. Good luck! And sorry you experienced such an event. Stay strong and you will always have a community here to talk to. 💜

Answer

Coming from a rape survivor you need to talk to someone. Even if it is not a professional. Your mother, grandmother, sister, best friend, someone. I am not going to lie to you and tell you that it is going to be easy to open up about it. Just take your time on it and don't be afraid to cry about it. You are beautiful no matter what and nothing is ever your fault! But the first step to healing is to tell someone. In fact you already have! So you are doing great!! When you feel you are ready to talk just know you are capable of doing anything.

Answer

Find someone you're comfortable with and start with talking to them and maybe get a therapist. When you have the flashbacks I know it sounds stupid, but try your best to remember to breathe. I've been having the same problem for about 12 years now and I can't say it gets easier to deal with them, but they do happen less often and you can learn to calm yourself down from them.

What should I do?

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