Life As An MST Survivor

Life As An MST Survivor 2024

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LIFE AS AN MST SURVIVOR

Physical trauma is but a glimpse of the impact to the mind...

In this article we will progress through a substantial variety of details to provide you with a greater understanding and awareness of MST ( Military Sexual Trauma. ) You will discover how it changes the life of an individual, whether enlistee, officer, or Veteran.

NO BOOK CAN DEFINE MST | A GREATER UNDERSTANDING
CUMULATIVE IMPAIRMENT AND TRAUMA

No Book Can Define MST
Definition is more clearly defined by experience

Although there are many books available in reference to MST, the full effects on a person are often overlooked or ignored. Did you know that MST can exists more often as a repetitive occurrence, not singular. As an MST survivor myself, I'm all too familiar with how the disquieting effects can only be fully understood and conveyed by a survivor.

"MST is generally defined as psychological trauma resulting from a physical assault of sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment which occurred while the Veteran was serving on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training. Despite being a matter of concern for many years now, MST is still quite pervasive in the military."

A Greater Understanding
Grasping what the problem is and why the slow pace in resolving it

In today's military, MST in itself alone is recognized as a serious concern, yet the battle to fight it has proven to be a significant challenge. An important factor to consider in this ever growing problem in the military is the lack of reporting by service members.

The key factor to service members failing to report these incidents is primarily due to fear of not being believed, perceivable characteristics of social assumptions of assault, a distinct fear of retaliation by reduction in rank or worse. This includes a prevalent lack of awareness of available resources for reporting the incident.

Cumulative Impairment and Trauma Considering the lifetime effects of MST An important point to consider is how that MST survivor has to endure cumulative impairments in physical and mental functionality for the rest of their lives. Many require in-patient clinical treatment as a result.
	"Service members who experience MST often develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”), depression, and anxiety as well as other chronic concerns. Many MST survivors find that their work and personal/marital relationships are severely impacted.
Cumulative trauma such as fear, flashbacks, anxiety attacks, rage, depression, and horrible memories are but a mere glance of the possible traumatic effects incurred by an MST survivor. For an abundant number of individuals, the adverse consequences can be significant as well as chronic. This can even cause fight or flight syndrome to develop which results in violation of speeding laws, crime tendency or far worse.

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DAV Chapter #15 - Pahrump, NV is a tax-exempt organization. All contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS regulation.