Going under general anesthesia can result in feelings of anxiety and overwhelm for many people. However, for those who have experienced sexual assault, it can also feel triggering and result in flashbacks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that
Sexual assault can have a
It can also make medical procedures feel triggering, especially if general anesthesia is required. The idea of being unconscious or unaware of what is happening to your body may evoke feelings of fear and anxiety.
If you have experienced sexual assault and are undergoing a surgical procedure where general anesthesia is needed, the following tips may help you to feel safe and comfortable.
It can be helpful to ask the doctor to explain what will happen before, during, and after the procedure. Knowing what to expect on the day may help to ease your anxiety and also allow you to prepare beforehand.
It may be helpful to ask the following questions:
- What other staff can you expect to be in the operating room?
- How long will the procedure last?
- How will you feel postsurgery? For example, can you expect to feel groggy or disorientated while the anesthesia wears off?
- How long will it take for any anesthesia side effects to go away?
- Will you need to stay in the hospital for monitoring after the surgery? If so, for how long?
- Are there any possible complications?
If you feel comfortable doing so, you can choose to share any sexual trauma you have experienced with your doctor. You only need to share the details you feel are necessary. This can help them ensure you feel safe and comfortable and identify any adjustments that may help.
What happens during general anesthesia?
General anesthesia is a procedure that prevents the brain from processing pain signals. It involves medications that are given through an intravenous (IV) infusion or inhaled through a mask placed over the nose and mouth.
It makes you unconscious and prevents you from experiencing pain during a medical procedure. You will be monitored throughout this process by an anesthesiologist.
On the day of the surgery, you may feel anxious and overwhelmed.
The following tips may help to calm your anxiety:
- Identify grounding techniques: It can be beneficial to think about ways to keep yourself grounded ahead of time. This may include focusing on things that make you feel good, such as listening to music or talking with a friend.
- Avoid caffeine: Caffeine can
often worsen feelings of anxiety and fear. It can be helpful to avoid caffeine before and after the procedure. - Practice breathing techniques: Practicing deep breathing, such as the 4-7-8 breathing method, can be a great way to reduce stress and keep you calm before the procedure.
- Consider bringing a loved one with you: It can be helpful to bring a trusted friend or family member with you for support on the day of your surgery. While they won’t be allowed inside the operating room, knowing they’ll be waiting for you after the procedure may help calm any nerves.
After waking up from general anesthesia, you may experience:
- tiredness
- confusion
- nausea or vomiting
- sore throat or dry mouth (if a tube was placed in your mouth to help you breathe)
- muscle aches
- itching
It can be helpful to remember that these side effects are common after general anesthesia. Knowing what to expect postsurgery can help you to manage any anxiety.
If you have experienced sexual trauma, you may feel triggered or experience flashbacks after surgery. Having a support system in place can help. This may look like scheduling time with a friend or family member to talk about how you’re feeling or setting up an appointment with a mental health professional.
It can also be beneficial to carve out the rest of the day for self-care. Remember to be kind and gentle with yourself.
If you have experienced sexual assault, it’s important to remember that you are not alone.
The following organizations can offer resources and support and help you understand your next steps:
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): Call 800-656-4673 or chat with an advocate on the website.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800-799-7233.
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 800-656-4673 or chat with an advocate on the website.
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: Call or text 800-422-4453 to speak with a counselor.
Remember, it’s your choice whether you want to report an assault or not. However, if you or someone else is in danger, it’s important to call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
There are many ways healthcare professionals can help ensure those affected by sexual assault feel safe and supported during medical procedures.
This can include:
- making space for questions and offering reassurance where needed
- creating a safe space without judgment where people can share their past experiences
- being open to accommodations and adjustments where it is safe to do so, such as allowing a loved one to be in the room
- leading with a patient-centered approach when delivering care
What is patient-centered care, and why is it important?
Patient-centered care, or compassionate care, is a healthcare approach that considers the whole person. It can allow a person to feel more in control of their care and voice their individual needs. It can improve the quality of care and reduce feelings of anxiety and fear.
For those who have experienced sexual assault, undergoing a surgical procedure where general anesthesia is required can feel triggering. The idea of being unconscious can bring about feelings of fear and anxiety.
It can be helpful to ask the doctor to explain what will happen before, during, and after the procedure. Knowing what to expect on the day may help to ease your anxiety and also allow you to prepare beforehand.