Ptsd, Hyper Sexual, Promiscuity

[Ayudame]

I was raped 4 years ago and decided I would try to pretend it didn't happen and we all know that is a ridiculous way to cope but it was all I could do not to kill myself. I suffer from the usual symptoms. I was managing "ok" until last September when our home was broken into. These sent me into a deep depression but I recognized it and was on medication by October and counseling by January. My PTSD has reared its ugly head and I am completely out of control, drinking, being promiscuous, living out of control. I have isolated and pushed everyone away. I am on the verge of divorce and I think my family hates me lol. I don't know how to stop what I'm doing?!?!?! This is not normal behavior for me at all! Well I do drink to cope sometimes but the sex thing is nuts! Please help...anyone that has been there?

 

[BuckarooBanzai]

...decided I would try to pretend it didn't happen and we all know that is a ridiculous way to cope but it was all I could do not to kill myself.

Not ridiculous at all. You did what you had to do to survive. If that was all you could manage, then that was all you could do. You survived, and that was the important thing. Give yourself some credit.

I was managing "ok" until last September when our home was broken into.

Yes, this reopened the wound you had denied.

...but the sex thing is nuts!

Actually, not.

Rape survivors sometimes become promiscuous in an attempt to gain control over their trauma. So, for instance, assuming that a woman felt overpowered and totally helpless during the rape, she might find it 'helpful' to entice strange men into one night stands in order to exert control over them. This way, she is able to tell herself that it is possible for her to prove to herself that she can have sexual power over men. It is a way to 'undo' the the sense of powerlessness she experienced during the rape.

I didn't explain that very well, but you get the gist.

Ben

 

[Ayudame]

Thank you, that was really insightful and it gave me something to think about all week honestly.

 

[BuckarooBanzai]

I'm glad.

The best of all blessings to you.

Ben