I was assaulted 6 years ago, but the memories are just beginning to flow back. I think about it every other day and it’s been causing me a lot of stress and depression. Could this be a sign that it was traumatic?

Thank you for sharing this difficult experience. What you're describing is not uncommon for survivors of assault, and your feelings are entirely valid.

First, let's define trauma. Individual trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and  mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being. It's important to note that trauma is subjective--what may be traumatic for one person may not be for another.

The process you're going through, where memories are resurfacing after a significant period, is often referred to as delayed recall or recovered memories. This can happen with traumatic experiences, including assault. Our minds sometimes suppress difficult memories as a way of coping, only to have them resurface later when we feel safer or more capable of processing them.

The fact that these memories are coming back now and causing you stress and depression could indeed be a sign that the experience was traumatic for you. Trauma affects everyone differently, and there's no "right" way or time to process it. Some people may experience immediate distress, while others, like yourself, might find the impact hits them years later.

Your frequent thoughts about the assault and the negative impact on your mental health are important indicators that this experience has had a significant effect on you. Depression and stress are common responses to traumatic memories resurfacing. These feelings, while difficult, are a normal part of processing trauma.

It's important to be gentle with yourself during this time. Healing is an ongoing process. Consider reaching out for professional support if you haven't already. A therapist experienced in trauma can provide valuable tools and strategies to help you process these memories and manage the associated stress and depression. You deserve support as you navigate this challenging time.

Thank you again for trusting us with this. You are not alone.