Undiagnosed Rape Victim With Potential (undiagnosed) Ptsd

[Alsatrus]

Hello,

Well this is scary. I was unfortunately the victim of a rape nearly two months ago. A few days after the incident my attacker appeared at the place I was living, shouting and threatening me not to tell anyone what happened. Due to this, I felt my only option was to go to the police. The processes that I had to go through, both legal and medical were extremely harrowing and I ended up breaking down and leaving the place I was living. I since found out this individual was already on bail for another rape. Since then I feel as though my life is crumbling around me. I have suspended my studies, can barely leave the house and am just a total mess. Seeing anything to do with rape, anyone raising their voice or someone coming to the front door all trigger panic attacks, and I am distancing myself from friends and family.

I know I have to go see my GP, but I'm just so scared of having to explain it all again. I feel totally pathetic. I'm undiagnosed, but as nothing seems to be getting any better I'm wondering whether this could be PTSD. Would very much value the thoughts of those a bit more au fait with the condition.

Looking forward to chatting with you .

 

[Alsatrus]

Sorry if anyone is offended by my use of victim rather than survivor. I'm aware of the debates around terminology. I guess I wrote it without thinking, but it also does reflect how I feel at the moment. I have no idea yet if I'm a survivor.

 

[amethist]

Hi Alsatrus

Welcome to the forum.

We cannot give you a diagnosis here, but we can give you plenty of sound advice.

As this only happened 2 months ago, everything is still fresh in your mind, so it will cause all the issues you have mentioned.

What you must do now is make that appointment and go and see you GP, before things get any worse. By doing this you may be referred for counselling sooner rather than later. A rape crisis centre could help too.

The sooner you do this, the better chance you have of stopping it blowing up into full blown PTSD, at the moment it may still be in the stages of just being Post Traumatic Stress, which can be cured.

If you cant explain it in words, just write down the basics and hand it to your GP when you go in. Even if your in floods of tears as you do this, you will have made that first and vital step.

Take care and make that call as soon as possible.

Amethist

 

[Lucycat]

Hi Alsatrus,


Welcome to the forum. I cannot say whether or not you have PTSD. You need to see a professional for that diagnosis.

You are right you need to see your GP. It is very hard, but if you feel the words will not come they will not hold it against you if you write it down and hand them a bit of paper.

You are not pathetic.

Whether victim or survivor is irrelevant. You are here and clearly suffering. This is something you have to tackle head on. Good luck. We are here for you.

Best wishes,

Lucy x

 

[Hashi]

Hi Alsatrus,

I feel for you. I'm so sorry for what happened to you. I'm not sure if you're in the UK or somewhere else, but I'm in the UK and found the idea of telling my GP very difficult (if you're in the UK, you can ask for a double length appointment with your GP, and don't have to tell the receptionist why). In terms of telling your GP, maybe you could write something down beforehand and hand them the note? I have done this.

Whatever country you're in, I hope your GP is sympathetic. It's incredibly hard to tell anyone about what happened, I know. I just want to send you lots of sympathy, support and encouragement.

 

[KP the nut]

Hi Alsatrus,

You are not pathetic.

Hi and welcome to the forum.

There is a lot of wonderful information and support here.

Keep talking.

 

[WillyKat]

Victims become survivors. I know its tough what you are going through right now. But keep telling yourself why you are going through the awful process.

- As tough as it is, you are validating yourself and taking part in your own healing
- You are a heroine (probably spelled that wrong) and are very likely SAVING other potential victims by getting the perp off the streets!
- By going to the cops and standing up, you are a role model to others in similar situations


Make sure you prioritize getting to a safe living situation and that you can travel safely. I really don't want to scare you (though you seem pretty brave to me), but please take precautions.

 

[safenow]

Hi Alsatrus,

Welcome to the PTSD Forum. You've come to a good place to be able to talk and have people understand. I agree with what the others have said. You need to see your Doctor as soon as possible. I am so proud of you for going to the police. I know how scary that is, and how they tend to treat us when we do. But you did the right thing.

The first thing is finding a safe place to live. That is so important for your healing. Once you have done that, then the real work of healing can begin.

Take your time, and look around. It's nice to meet you. Please, do talk to others so it doesn't turn into full blown PTSD. We can not tell you it is or isn't.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Welcome. :)

 

[intothelight]

Hi Alsatrus,

Welcome to the PTSD Forum! :)

I can't agree with Amethist more, and you really need to see a psychiatrist to get a professional diagnosis. Early trauma intervention can help prevent PTSD, or at the very least minimize the effect and duration of symptoms. It is really hard and very frightening to address it again, but any chance you have of early intervention, please jump on it.

Wishing you the best.

Debbie