Recovering From Military Sexual Trauma

It is important to remember that recovery is a process and takes time. Healing from trauma, including MST, does not happen all at once, and healing does not mean that you must forget the experience. Instead, it means you have less pain and fewer bad feelings when you think about the experience, and any associated symptoms will over time bother you less.

Discussing your trauma with other survivors in a controlled setting can help you learn that you are not alone or weak. In addition, surrounding yourself with people you can talk to about your MST experience may help you feel more understood. You may even choose to distract yourself with positive recreational or work activities.

When you experience unwanted or distressing memories, remind yourself that they are just memories, and talk about them with someone you trust. If you feel that the trauma is happening again, which is known as a flashback, keep your eyes open and remind yourself where you presently are and that the trauma happened in the past.

Although VA and DoD are working to put an end to MST, it is an ongoing problem that affects a large percentage of women and men who proudly serve in the armed forces. For information on how to access free VA services and to determine your eligibility in MST benefits, visit http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome.asp.