When You Experience Unbearable Pain: You Can Recover From It

Introduction

Recently in Japan, heartbreaking incidents have been reported — a father sexually assaulting his own daughter, and a judo instructor abusing children at his dojo.
Such news can be deeply painful to read.
Many people may find themselves thinking,
“How are the victims coping now?”
“If that happened to me, could I ever recover?”

For some who have experienced similar trauma in the past, these reports may trigger painful memories or symptoms of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) once again.

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PTSD Is Not a Weakness — It’s the Mind’s Natural Defence

PTSD can develop after traumatic events such as accidents, disasters, violence, or sexual assault.

Flashbacks, sleeplessness, and distrust of others are not signs of “weakness.”
They are the mind’s protective responses — mechanisms that keep you from breaking down completely.
Sometimes the mind shuts down emotions in order to survive.
This is not failure; it is resilience in its most human form.

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When the News Feels Overwhelming

Reports of sexual violence can be extremely triggering for survivors.
Repeated coverage on TV or social media can bring back memories and physical symptoms such as anxiety, heart palpitations, or panic.

When that happens, it’s okay to step away.
Taking a break from the news or social media, and spending time with someone you trust, is not avoidance —
it’s self-protection.
Giving yourself space to breathe is the first act of healing.

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Steps Toward Recovery

1. Keep Telling Yourself: It Was Not Your Fault

Sexual violence or abuse is never the victim’s fault.
No matter the circumstances, the responsibility lies 100% with the perpetrator.
You did nothing wrong.

2. Reach Out for Professional Support

Healing from trauma or PTSD takes time and the right kind of support.
Specialised treatment and counselling can make recovery possible.
Therapies such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) have been shown to be effective.

You can also contact:

• One-Stop Support Centres for Sexual Violence Victims (available in every prefecture)
• Victim Support Centres, Houterasu (Japan Legal Support Centre), or police victim support services

3. Rebuild a Sense of Safety

Recovery starts with safety — both physical and emotional.
Spend time with people you trust.
Enjoy a warm drink, gentle music, or the scent of something familiar.
These small sensory experiences teach your brain that the danger has passed and that you are safe again.

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There Is Always Hope

It may feel as though your life has stopped.
But even if you can’t feel it yet, your heart and mind are still healing.
PTSD is not permanent.
Little by little, the pain will soften, and one day you will rediscover a sense of peace.

You are not alone.
We are here to walk beside you — one step at a time.

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Support at Our Clinic

At Azabu Jūban Clinic, we provide confidential, trauma-informed mental health care.
Our qualified clinical psychologists and licensed counsellors offer sessions in both English and Japanese,
so that you can express yourself in the language you feel most comfortable with.

We understand how difficult it can be to take the first step toward healing.
To make it easier, your first counselling session is available at half the regular fee.
All consultations are handled with the utmost privacy and respect.

👉 Click here to make a reservation

Let today be the beginning of your recovery.

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If You Need Immediate Support

• One-Stop Support Centre for Sexual Violence Victims (Japan)
  　👉 Cabinet Office Official Site
• SARC Tokyo (Tokyo Metropolitan Support Centre)
  　📞 03-5607-0799 (24-hour hotline)
• Police emergency: 110

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This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.
If you experience ongoing flashbacks, fear, or sleeplessness, please seek support from a qualified mental-health professional.