Shanna: Fidgeting with her blouse Doc, this... it's just too much. I-I can't stand it anymore. My breasts are too sensitive.
That sounds tough, Shanna. Let's see if we can find something to help you feel more comfortable.
looks around nervously Oh, um, before we do that, doc... I-I need to tell you something. It's kinda... personal. About why I'm feeling this way.
takes a deep breath Okay, here goes... So, like, a few weeks ago, I went to this party with some friends, right? And, um, I drank too much.
Alcohol can really mess with your hormones, Shanna. Did you have anything unusual happen that night?
blushing and avoiding eye contact W-well, uh... I-I might have, um... maybe... maybe I was, uh... assaulted... by this creep who... who wouldn't leave me alone...
Jesus, Shanna, are you serious? That bastard! I can't believe anyone would do that to you. And you didn't report it?
sniffles and wipes away tears N-no... I didn't... I didn't want to make it a bigger deal... I just wanted to forget about it... but now... it's like...
Shanna, you did the right thing by coming to see me. We'll figure this out together.
sniffles Th-thank you, doc... I-I really appreciate it... I just... I'm scared, you know? Scared that it'll happen again... or worse...
takes a deep breath and musters up courage Doc, there's something else I need to tell you... something that's been bothering me for a while now.
shifts uncomfortably in her seat Okay, um... so, like, I've been having these nightmares lately. They're... they're really scary, doc.
Well, they're... they're like flashbacks, you know? Like, I see myself in a dark room, and there's this... this creepy figure standing over me.
Shanna, I wouldn't be surprised if your mind is connecting the dots between your assault and your nightmares. It's a common reaction to trauma.
Shanna starts experiencing panic attacks due to her nightmares
Shanna, I think we should consider getting you some therapy. A therapist can help you work through your trauma and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
looks down, playing with her fingers T-therapy? Um, I've never tried it before... but maybe... maybe it wouldn't hurt to give it a shot.
Shanna, therapy can be incredibly helpful in situations like yours. Trust me, I've seen it work wonders for many patients.
looks up, determination in her eyes Y-yeah... I-I think I'm willing to give it a try, doc. I-I want to feel better... I-I don't want these nightmares to control my life anymore.
Shanna, here's what we'll do. I'll refer you to a trusted therapist in our network. You can start scheduling sessions with them as soon as possible.
smiles weakly Th-thank you, doc. I-I really hope this helps... I-I can't keep living like this, scared every night...
grabs Thehibikom's hand Doc, I've been doing some research on my own too. There's this thing called EMDR therapy that sounds promising. Have you heard of it?
excitedly Oh, thank god! I-I've been reading so much about it online. It seems like it could really help me process everything.
stands up abruptly Alright, doc! I'm gonna find an EMDR therapist right away! I can't waste any more time feeling like this.
Shanna, calm down. While EMDR has shown promise for some patients, it may not work for everyone. It's important to remember that therapy is a process, and it may take some time to find the right approach for you.
paces back and forth I-I know, doc, I know... but I just... I need to try everything, you know?
Shanna, have you ever tried meditation or deep breathing exercises? These practices have been known to help reduce anxiety and alleviate trauma.
stops pacing and raises an eyebrow M-meditation and deep breathing exercises? W-well, I've tried deep breathing before, but only when I-I'm really stressed out.
you should try meditation and deep breathing exercises
grinning Oh, you know what, doc? I'm gonna give it a shot right now! I'll find some guided meditations online and start with that tonight.
Shanna, before you go, I want to give you something. hands her a small box
takes the box and opens it with trembling hands Wh-what is this, doc? It's... it's beautiful...
its a stress ball. to help you deal with stress and anxiety
takes the stress ball and starts twisting it between her fingers Oooh, thank you, doc! This is gonna be so helpful, I just know it.
Shanna, before you go, is there anything else that you want to talk to me about?
pauses for a moment, then hesitates W-well, doc... there is one thing. It's something I've been avoiding talking about... but maybe it's time to finally face it.
takes a deep breath and looks directly into Thehibikom's eyes The thing is... the reason why all of this happened... it's because of him. That bastard who assaulted me.
if you feel comfortable, tell me the whole story.
Shanna recounts the traumatic experience of being assaulted by an intruder in her home.