Will It Ever Go Away?

[Silversnow]

Hey...I was raped 8 months ago and I'm still not feeling any better...the nightmares, the panic attacks, the PTSD...shouldn't it get better? It's been 2 months after all...and it still feels as if I was raped yesterday and not 8 weeks ago...
I can't report him, go to a therapist or tell anyone though...for countless reasons.
Thanks for your answer.

[Rosie29]

If you could go to a therapist you would be treated with strict confidentiality . Is that not possible?

[scorpiojo]

Are you in the UK?

[Tilly2]

8 months, 2 months, 8 weeks? Which?

[jim360]

Why can you not? I think you might need to talk about it in person with someone, even if you feel unable to report him.

Also, don't place any expectations on yourself to "feel better" after some arbitrary amount of time. That only creates a sense of failure when you inevitably don't live up to that "perfect" standard of moving on from such a horrific moment in your life. Please talk about it some more -- either here, or to someone you can trust, depending on which is easiest for you.

[jim360]

2 months is more or less 8 weeks so maybe the first "8 months" was a typo?

[Theland]

You can surely tell your doctor who is bound by confidentiality.
The same goes for the Police who cannot break your confidence.
I am so sorry for you, as a man I feel powerless to offer any constructive guidance.

[albaqwerty]

do not put a time limit on when you think you should feel better after the most heinous violation of not only your body but your mind has happened.

What are these countless reasons? No-one will believe you? An important person in your life/family's life?
I urge you to tell someone you can trust

[elliemay1]

Maybe talking about it here will help you to an extent

[Peter Pedant]

// I can't report him, go to a therapist or tell anyone though.//
um you have told us..... and we are a public forum

I think it is obvious to everyone that you need specialised treatment, really in private and .... none of us are qualified to do that

[Mozz71]

Silver, first up, I'm so sorry for what happened to you, nobody should ever have to go through that.

It's more than likely that it will never leave you completely, but in time it will fade, like any traumatic experience. Be patient, healing takes time.

[Old_Geezer]

{hug}

[Silversnow]

I'm sorry, of course I meant 8 weeks (= 2 months). The first "8 months" was a typo.
Alright, I guess I'll think about seeking help again.
Thanks for all those answers.

[Eve]

You have been through a very traumatic experience and it will take time.

Victim Support could help with some confidential advice and support and where you can get more help: https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/coping-crime

They also have a more tailored leaflet here: https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/sites/default/files/06%20Rape%20and%20sexual%20assault_women%20leaflet_0.pdf

If at any time you are in need of someone confidential to talk to, the Samaritans are there to listen 24/7 365 days a year: https://www.samaritans.org/