May is mental health awareness month. There are many resources and opportunities offered locally in both Lebanon County and Schuylkill County. We encourage anyone wishing to know more to reach out to their county mental health office to learn more about programs, services, and options for accessing them. In our work to prevent sexual violence and promote healing for those impacted, risk for perpetration of sexual violence, intersects with mental health concerns. We are dedicating the next few weeks to exploring the intersections of mental health and sexual violence and risk factors which can make a blame for not stopping the assault. Survivors of sexual violence are at increased risk for PTSD, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.
Traumatic memories are not recorded in the same way. The typical, everyday memories are. This means that memories of the assault may come back unwanted times or become very intrusive for their survivor as they continue to live their lives. It also means that it may be especially difficult to recall specific details of the event or retail the story in words. Working through the memories may be especially challenging. Many survivors report difficulty and retelling the story to mental health providers. Some research suggests that the process of retelling the story in systems to medical care providers, justice system professionals, or other social service professionals may even be re-traumatizing.
Because of these intersections and challenges, SARCC offers evidence based trauma therapy, treatment to survivors in Lebanon and Schuylkill counties. Trauma processing therapies like EMDR and TFCBT provide opportunities for survivors to process traumatic memories without having to rehash difficult details. Last year, SARCC clients who completed trauma therapy were able to report an 83% reduction in their trauma symptoms. If connecting with a trauma therapist to explore options for trauma therapy treatment sounds like something you may be interested in, please email info@sarccheals.org to request more information. You can also call our hotline at 717–2 72–5308 or 570–6 28–296 524 hours a day to connect with a sexual assault counselor and discuss options.
