advice on how to move on after a rape?

Question

I was raped a little over a week ago.
after that I attempted suicide and have been in a hospital untill this past weekend.
normally I am a straight- A student and good at work. Lately I haven't been able to concentrate at all. I feel like I'm letting everyone at work down, and noone (except my dad-the owner) knows what is going on.
How do I make myself concentrate now. I really don't want my grades to drop, but I'm so exhausted just trying to keep my head above water.
any advice?

I spent last week in therapy after the suicide attempt, but they did not focus on the rape since it was a group setting and noone else had gone through that..

I also have a couseling appt. set up for friday. but what do I do untill then?

Answer 1

when something like this happens I am sorry but its rare that one week of therapy will help you need to be looking more at a longer time period of therapy. Some people manage to get over these thing (or at least get on with there lives) better then others. for me it still plays on my mind from time to time but I have moved on in many other ways. You have your dad so if something is stressing you maybe talk with him but the best thing you can do is get some more therapy

Answer 2

Okay, first of all I'm sorry this happened to you. Secondly, realize that you are not alone. 1 in 4 women will be raped by the time they are 25. While that may be depressing, it means that there are people you can talk to who will "understand" what you are going through and not judge you. Every case is different, and you have to remember that too.

That said, my advice is to determine if you want to talk about it or not. Some people find it too hard to talk, some people are afraid that they will be judged or that people will say it's their fault (it's not your fault), and some people want to tell people. If you want to talk, but you aren't sure where to start, see if there is a rape crisis center or phone line in your town. See if you can take some time off from work to deal with yourself. Know that you will get through this and that you will do it in your own time. You can e-mail me if you want to talk to a stranger or test out how to tell people you love. Basically, take care of yourself. Therapy is always an option. Support groups can also be helpful, but you have to do everything in your own time.

Answer 3

I have to disagree with the majority here. I don't think its counseling you need.. MAYBE a support group, but mostly.. what you need is a close friend or two that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you can trust.. and talk to them about it. Let them know that you're not asking for advice or opinions.. bcs that can make you feel worse... when your given those things without you having asked for them... UNLESS You actually want to hear their opinions or advice... I have had my own experience which I will not discuss in a public forum, but if you ever need someone to talk to.. You know where to find me honey.. same as always... I may be like twice your age.. BUT I wasn't when I began my ordeal.. and now at my age.. it has very little effect on me anymore. If at all.
You will get through this... I promise. If I can, anyone can.

Love & empathy...
~W.

Answer 4

Remember this: Someone can harm your body, but not your soul...or your mind, if you don't allow it. Bad things DO happen, we must concentrate on the good things in our lives. Look at your Dad and smile. Think of things you are grateful for (you DID live through this, and a lot of women don't). Count your blessings and recognize that this person is going to suffer greatly someday for what he did. I'd take a week off with my books at home and doing my homework. Just rest up for now. You and your body have been through a terrible shock. Take some time.

Answer 5

As cliche as it sounds, you should seek counseling. Above all else though, just remind yourself that you owe it to yourself to take it easy. If it just happened a week ago, then you haven't really had much time to process the situation. Take some time off of work. Since your dad is the owner, he should understand. Taking time off of work will give you more time to concentrate on your studies. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Are you seeking some type of counseling? There are free counseling groups available for victims of rape. You really need to be in a support group. It's really difficult to move on and it's only been a week. You are going to go through many periods of depression, anger, denial, guilt, etc. One thing you must remember it's not your fault and you didn't deserve what happened. Please get some professional help so that it doesn't destroy you. Good luck Dear. 2D

Answer 7

I honesty feel like you might benefit from some counseling. I was raped in the past, and the only way to get through something like that is by talking to someone who knows exactly what to say (a professional). I'm really sorry that you had to go through this and I hope that you are aware that it is NOT your fault!! Please take care of yourself and get some help.

Answer 8

Go to therapy I am surprised your parents have not taken you to therapy already or the hospita did not send you to therapy especially since you attempted suicide if you really did.After a suicide attempt most states require you go to rehab for 30 days and seek treatment by law even if you are a minor.

Answer 9

i think you need a good therapist and a good support group. but i want you to realize that what happened to you was not your fault. it is normal after a traumatic experience to have some anxiety. i think if possible you need to take a little time off and heal. noone needs to no why. just ask for a little personal time off. i am so sorry this happened to you. be brave, grieve, it will help you to move on. good luck and god bless.

Answer 10

I found that excersise help people with depression. Why don't you try to join a gym or something and go there afew times a week, jog, run, do bikes, whatever helps you release tension. It may help also distract your mind.