Q&A: What is a healthy way to move past or heal from sexual assault and harassment trauma?

These Anonymous Questions were submitted by teens like you, and answered by KBFPC’s teen Peer Educators and trained adult staff.

Q: What is a healthy way to move past or heal from sexual assault and harassment trauma?

A: Thank you for trusting us with this question. There are many ways to work on healing from sexual assault and/or harassment. Generally folks work on finding ways to process the experience, build up their self worth, and gain a sense of control. Often folks will seek support from professionals, like mental health counselors, to support them in their healing. They may learn strategies for managing emotions and stressors and/or brainstorm different ways of self-care. See below for information on options for professional support both locally and nationally.

Other methods folks may use:

• Using art and music to process their experience
• Reading books about healing
• Communicating with friends and family about how they can support them in their healing

Also, know that more time passing may help. However you’re feeling now, you may not feel this way forever – especially if you can find healthy, supportive ways to acknowledge and process your experience.

Check out these resources to find more support both locally and online:

• https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/if-youve-been-assaulted/
• https://rainn.org/self-care/7-kinds-of-self-care-how-they-help/
• Alaska Based Mental Health Providers for Youth 
• Alaska Based Mental Health Providers for Teens and Adults 
• https://www.spbhs.org/ – the Center in Homer has a counselor available 24/7 for mental health support – call 907-235-0247