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Feelings
Whether you were raped, assaulted or abused recently or many months or years ago, you might have a range of different feelings.
You might feel some, all or none of these things. Whatever you do or don't feel now or in the future is OK and talking to Rape Crisis can help.
- If you've been attacked recently you might be in shock. This could mean you feel numb or unemotional.
- You might be in total disbelief, crying, shaking, laughing or vomiting.
- You might feel to blame and responsible for what's happened, or feel guilty.
- You might be having nightmares or trouble sleeping.
- You might be 'reliving' the events (having flashbacks). This can be triggered by a sound, situation or smell and can be very frightening.
- You might have lost confidence, trust in yourself and/or trust in others.
- You might be feeling worthless or even hating yourself.
- You might be finding it difficult to cope with day-to-day life.
- You might be feeling angry, irritable or short-tempered, even with people close to you.
- You might feel 'dirty' and ashamed about what's happened.
- You might be depressed, upset and tearful a lot of the time.
- You might feel suicidal.
- You might be afraid of people, of places, of being on your own.
- You might be experiencing relationship or sexual difficulties. You might have no interest in sex or intimacy at all, or you might crave extra physical contact or comfort.
You are not to blame and you are not alone.
Find tools to help you cope and support yourself here.