I am so sorry you are feeing nausea that won't subside after your assault. While this is a common and understandable physicological response to trauma, hat sounds extremely uncomfortable.
When you go through a traumatic event like an assault, your body's stress response system is activated, triggering the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. This is part of the "fight, flight, or freeze" response, an instinctive reaction to perceived threats. These hormones can affect various bodily functions, including your digestive system, potentially slowing down or temporarily halting digestion as your body redirects energy to systems it perceives as more critical for immediate survival.
This disruption to normal digestive processes can lead to nausea, as well as other gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, the emotional distress following an assault can manifest physically due to the strong brain-gut connection. Anxiety, fear, and shock can all contribute to feelings of nausea. Trauma can also lead to hyperarousal of the nervous system, making you more sensitive to physical sensations, which can sometimes amplify feelings of nausea or discomfort. In some cases, nausea might also be triggered by intrusive thoughts or flashbacks related to the assault.
While this physical response is normal and doesn't reflect any weakness on your part, there are several strategies that may help alleviate your nausea:
Deep breathing exercises can help calm your nervous system. Try taking slow, deep breaths, inhaling through your nose for 4 counts, holding for 4, then exhaling through your mouth for 4 counts. This can help regulate your body's stress response.
Staying hydrated is important, but take small sips of water or clear fluids to avoid overwhelming your stomach. Ginger chews or peppermint tea may also help settle your stomach due to their natural anti-nausea properties.
If possible, try to rest in a comfortable position. Some people find lying on their left side helpful for nausea as it can aid digestion. Gentle distraction techniques like listening to calming music or a podcast might also help take your mind off the nausea and reduce stress levels.
If you feel up to it, a light walk or gentle movement can sometimes help with nausea by promoting blood flow and potentially easing digestive discomfort. Avoid strong smells or foods that might trigger more nausea. Bland foods like dry toast or crackers might be easier to tolerate if you feel able to eat.
Remember, these physical symptoms are a normal response to trauma, but they should subside as your body begins to process the event. If the nausea persists or worsens, don't hesitate to seek medical attention. Thank you so much for reaching out to us. We are thinking of you as you are navigating this difficult time.