Imagine that a friend of yours has been a victim of sexual assault (rape). What are the short-term and long-term courses of her stress response to being raped likely to be?

In the short-term, your friend may experience a range of stress responses to being raped. This could include feelings of shock, disbelief, fear, and anxiety. She may also experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and difficulty sleeping. Additionally, she may have difficulty concentrating and may feel a sense of detachment from her surroundings. Emotionally, she may feel overwhelmed, angry, and may have mood swings.

In the long-term, the stress response to being raped may manifest in various ways. Your friend may experience ongoing feelings of fear, anxiety, and hypervigilance. She may also struggle with trust issues and have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships. Additionally, she may experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts related to the assault. This can have a significant impact on her mental and emotional well-being, potentially leading to depression, substance abuse, and self-harm.

It's important for your friend to seek professional help and support to address the short-term and long-term effects of the sexual assault. This may include therapy, support groups, and other resources to help her cope with the trauma and begin the healing process. It's also important for her to have a strong support system of friends and family who can provide understanding, empathy, and encouragement as she navigates through this difficult experience.