Thank you so much for responding to me. It was so long ago but feels so fresh it's the strangest feeling. I did really feel comfortable with my>Wow, I kind of thought I was the only one! I didn't remember things until a few years later. I was shocked at what my brain was able to hide from me.

It's been so long that I have trouble remembering what I did to recover...I remember that my therapist was amazingly helpful and supportive. Make sure you trust and like your therapist- I later had a therapist that I really didn't like and that was just a waste of time and money. It's ok to shop around if you don't feel great about your current therapist.

What else... I started opening up to people I knew that had been sexually assaulted. It is so helpful to tell your story (once you have processed it yourself). Every time I did, the burden got a little lighter.

I read The Second Sex and got really into feminism. That was something to pour my anger into for awhile, and helpful as I was trying to process why I was so traumatized by what happened.

None of these things are very helpful for the immediate fear and anxiety that takes over your life. I was very afraid for a long time- afraid to walk outside by myself, afraid to so much as touch a man. I think that went away slowly, as I processed what happened and as time healed the wounds.

I would say to be very kind to yourself and give yourself whatever you need to heal. Maybe you need to take time off of work, or maybe you will work more because it makes you feel better. If you find that being around people helps, make sure you surround yourself with people, even if it means moving to live with people or even moving in with your parents. Rape can be a life-changing event, so you might need to change your life to allow yourself to recover from it. But most of all, be sure to be really gentle with yourself.

And remember that it really does get better- it's been about a decade now since I was raped, and these days I hardly ever think about it. Years ago, I never thought that would be possible. Though things might feel impossibly hard right now, it does get better.

therapist. She seemed to be bang on with everything she was saying and asking. And I appreciate you sharing with me. I am still very emotional but I have faith I will get better. I know your whole reply hasn't sunk in yet but I am going to hold these post close to me.