Even if you can defend yourself against an attack, is it still traumatic?

[Anonymous]

It's been nearly 7 years since disabling an attempt choke against the wall. The only time I ever called the cops was to request medical assistance; not for me but for my attacker.

I have trust issues since and my friends are now even more selected. It sucks how someone I once cared for and even helped out with money wanted me dead. I (an only child) was able to handle it myself but that's a deep betrayal I have a hard time moving on from.

Even if you're not a defenseless victim and the attacker is down, is it still traumatic?

Updates

6 mo

That's the only time I ever used combat skills on a person. Hopefully it never happens again. It still affected my abilities to trust.

[live2dance25]

Absolutely it would be traumatic and definitely would break my sense of trust. Growing up in a domestic violence family I know first hand it’s hard to forget these things and put them in the past. Perhaps seeing a therapist or a close friend to talk about your feelings may help. I feel your pain and hope better days come your way in 2026!

[slatyb]

Absolutely it is. My wife was on a subway once and it stopped between stations. She still has anxiety riding any sort of crowded transit because of the fear that somehow she won't be able to exit.