The alarming rates of sexual violence all across the world are not just scary or sad, but also require our attention to prevent violence and harassment against different sections of society. Sexual assault is forced sexual contact with any person that can have adverse effects on the physical health of any person. However, despite surviving the violence, victims also face emotional, psychological, and mental effects on their health.

As per research by the Medical University of South Carolina, 31% of all rape victims develop PTSD symptoms at least once during their lifetime. The report also highlighted that approximately 30% rape victims experience a major depressive episode in their lifetime. In addition to that, rape survivors are at a bigger risk of consuming excessive amounts of alcohol and drugs.

The reasons for developing these mental diseases can be different. In the first place, the heinous crime creates a traumatic impact on the victim's brain thus leading to detrimental mental, psychological and emotional impacts on their health. However, societal reactions and behaviors against the survivor can also result in the development of such diseases. For example, blaming the victim, not listening to them, changing behavior, etc. In this article, we will discuss the possible mental effects that sexual violence can create on an individual.

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety and Depression are not just restricted to feeling unhappy and sad. When such feelings become debilitating for your health and last longer than usual, then it is worrisome. Depression can make even doing some of the easiest tasks feel like climbing the top of the mountain.

Studies suggest that people who are victims of sexual violence are at a much higher risk of suffering from chronic anxiety and depression in their lifetimes. The Medical University of South Carolina states that rape victims are 3 times more likely to experience a major depressive episode.

To combat the mental disease, it is primarily important to get diagnosed with it. A few common symptoms of depression include feelings of worthlessness, fatigue, overthinking, prolonged feelings of sadness, easily getting irritated, restlessness, tiredness, sleeplessness or oversleeping, change in appetite, and suicidal thoughts.

10.6% of the young population of the U.S. suffer from severe major depression. Seeking medical help like therapies and medication can help treat depression. Making small changes in the lifestyle like exercising and practicing meditation regularly can also be a significant aid for a person suffering from depression.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 

PTSD develops in individuals who have faced any traumatic or scary experience in their life. Though anyone can develop PTSD symptoms at any age, sexual assault survivors face a higher risk of developing the mental disease. According to the National Women's study, 3.8 million adult American women have had rape-related PTSD.

The most common symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, negative thoughts, nightmares, difficulty falling asleep, feeling numb, anger issues, easily irritated, suicidal thoughts, difficulty performing daily chores.

The only effective way of combating a mental disease is by seeking required medical help from professionals. Talking about both sexual violence and mental diseases continue to be taboo in our society. Even one of the top-ranked states of the US, Vermont has around 43% of adults suffering from mental illness who did not receive any medical help.

Some of the treatment therapies that help fight PTSD are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Group Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Psychodynamic Therapy. Apart from medical help, social acceptance and support also play an indispensable role in the betterment of the symptoms.

Substance Abuse

Being victims of sexual violence, the survivors are more prone to developing PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, overwhelming emotions, etc. To cope with similar feelings, sexual assault victims are more at risk of consuming substances like alcohol and drugs.

The extended use of such substances can result in addictions and deterioration of physical, mental, and emotional health. As per research, rape victims are 3.4% more likely to use marijuana, 5.4% more likely to use prescription drugs for non-medical purposes, and 6.4% more likely to consume cocaine.

Getting treated for substance abuse might not be easy but it is possible. Behavioral counseling and medication can be some of the possible treatments for substance abuse.

Dissociation

Trauma from experiencing sexual violence can also lead to developing symptoms of dissociation. In simpler terms, dissociation is a way in which our brain reacts to a very painful or traumatizing event by getting detached from reality. By experiencing traumatizing events repeatedly, the symptoms might worsen and a person is even at the risk of developing Dissociative Disorders.

As per a study, the victims of sexual abuse are at a much higher risk of developing dissociation and PTSD symptoms. Some of the common symptoms of dissociation are losing time sense, hallucinations, flashbacks, mood swings, difficulty keeping track of events, suicidal thoughts, poor memory, substance abuse, and self-isolation.

Treatments of the mental health condition differ depending upon the symptoms of the victim. However, a few effective methods for treating dissociation include Psychotherapy, Hypnosis, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy, and medication. One of the common drawbacks of experiencing sexual abuse and suffering from mental disease is the lack of support from loved ones. Hence, emotional support from the loved one can also have positive effects on the survivor's health.

In addition to the aforementioned mental effects, sexual assault victims are at a relatively higher risk of committing suicide and self-harm than people who have not experienced sexual violence. Sexual assaults are momentary, but the effects are everlasting. It's important to seek professional help if you or anyone you know has suffered from sexual abuse. 

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