Self-Care for Survivors
Self-Care for Survivors
There are times when the emotions and pain associated with a rape or sexual assault can be overwhelming. These feelings can come immediately after the assault or many years later. The following are things that you can do to help take care of yourself as you recover from the assault that you experienced.
- Make yourself a cup of tea, or a soothing warm drink.
- If it is safe to do so, go for a walk.
- Spend time talking with a trusted friend or family member.
- Take a bath.
- Spend time with a favorite pet.
- Workout, exercise helps to increase your bodies production of endorphins which help you to feel better.
- Read a favorite book.
- Write in your journal.
- Find a creative outlet- music, painting, writing poems, etc.
- Sign up for a self-defense course- it may help you to feel more in control.
- Eat healthy food
- Most importantly, remind yourself that it is alright for you to feel these emotions, they are normal reactions to an abnormal event.
There are also some things that victims of rape or sexual assault do to cope that are better to avoid:
- Relying on alcohol or drug use.
- Disclosing personal information in chat rooms or blogs.
- Seeking out situations in which you feel unsafe.
- Taking actions that undermine your self-worth.
- Using food and unhealthy eating as a way to control your body and emotional state.
- Inflicting harm on your body.
- Blaming yourself for what happened.
