May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and BARCC is spreading the word about the many ways sexual violence can impact survivors’ mental health. While every survivor’s experience is different, sexual violence has been tied to a number of different mental health challenges:
- Survivors of sexual violence are at higher risk for mental health issues, including anxiety, eating, and depressive disorders.
- 45% of women and 65% of men who experienced rape during adulthood met the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis.
If you are a survivor struggling with your mental health, you are not alone. Here are some helpful tips for managing the day-to-day:
1. Start Small
Trauma can make completing everyday self-care tasks difficult. It can help to start by thinking about:
- When did I last eat or drink water?
- How can I move my body in a way that feels good today?
- What is one thing I can do right now to take care of myself?
Survivors often also face material barriers to meeting their basic needs. BARCC’s Case Management team can help these survivors access housing, rent and utility assistance, food, medical care, and other necessities. Request an Appointment.
2. “Are You Doing Okay?”
A regular practice of checking in with your body, mind, and emotions can help in knowing how to manage difficult moments. You can do so by:
- Doing a body scan
- Writing in a journal
- Attending a session with a therapist
BARCC provides free, short-term counseling with licensed clinicians and trained counselors who help survivors and their support systems find their strengths, to understand the impact of trauma on their lives, to build and use coping skills, and to explore ways to heal and thrive.
If you aren’t “okay,” please remember to be kind to yourself. It is okay to not be okay, and we are here for you if you need support.
3. Reach Out
Asking for help is an act of strength. Reach out to friends, family, community members, or service providers like BARCC if you need someone to talk to and help you through this difficult time.
If you are a survivor struggling with your mental health, call our 24-7 hotline at 800-841-8371 or message our live web chat, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., at barcc.org/chat.
