If you served in the military, you are at risk of suffering from military sexual trauma. The Department of Veterans Affairs has specific definitions for the problem. Read on to learn more about the symptoms and treatment options.
There are also many ways you can prevent this from happening. But first, you need to understand what military sexual trauma is and how it affects service members.
Symptoms
Military sexual trauma is a condition that can affect a person’s life in a number of ways. This condition can make an individual struggle to achieve their goals, lead to a change in career, or cause an individual to lose their job. If you have suffered from this condition, then there are several steps you can take to recover.
The first step is seeking out professional help. If you feel that you are dealing with the effects of military sexual trauma, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. A military sexual trauma professional will be able to provide you with the support and resources necessary to recover. In the meantime, you can take steps to help yourself feel better and avoid relapse.
You may be afraid to seek medical attention. However, seeking help can make you feel better and help you recover faster. Mental health professionals can help you understand your feelings and find a treatment plan that works for you. For example, mindfulness practice can be very helpful when you’re dealing with the effects of military sexual trauma. This practice can teach you to be more present in the moment and experience thoughts in a more stable way. Taking part in activities that make you smile can also support your recovery.
Causes
The causes of military sexual trauma (MST) are complex. Military sexual trauma has been linked to increased risk of psychiatric disorders, including substance abuse, eating disorders, and suicidal behavior. It also increases the incidence of physical illness, including pain-related symptoms in multiple organ systems. While the causes of MST may vary depending on the specific military branch, there are some common patterns. Here are a few of the most common symptoms and their possible causes.
One of the most common causes of MST is non-consensual sexual activity. This can occur when the victim is unconscious or intoxicated. Other common causes of MST include unwanted touching and sexual advances. Unwanted comments about one’s body and sexual activities are also common. Some of these behaviors can lead to long-term effects, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Sexual harassment in the military is often overlooked by military health professionals. But the statistics are staggering. More than 20,000 cases of sexual assault and harassment were reported in 2018 alone. This number includes 13,000 women and 18,000 men. The Army has even acknowledged that soldiers are more likely to be raped by another service member in their uniform than to be killed by an enemy.
Treatment
The House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health recently heard testimony on military sexual trauma care. The hearing was titled “Safety for Survivors: Improving the care and services for combat sexual trauma survivors.” The hearing’s Ranking Member, Julia Brownley, is a Democrat from California.
The article describes the prevalence and impact of military sexual trauma and the difficulties veterans face overcoming their trauma. The authors also outline the risk factors that increase the likelihood of a sexual assault, as well as the associated mental health consequences. They describe how to identify a veteran at risk of developing MST and the specific clinical challenges that face male survivors. In addition, they discuss first-line psychotherapies, pharmacotherapies, and strategies for overcoming barriers to treatment for LGBT survivors.
The odds of developing the most common mental health conditions among military sexual trauma survivors were significantly higher than among civilians. However, these associations did not differ significantly between the adjusted and unadjusted estimates. Moreover, this association was independent of the association between health care services and demographic factors, such as military service.
Prevention
While unwanted sexual contact and sexual assault are not limited to the military, medical professionals should be aware that a history of military sexual trauma can increase cardiovascular disease risk. As a result, prevention of military sexual trauma may improve cardiovascular disease risk management. Furthermore, medical professionals may consider the significance of this study when caring for non-veterans who have experienced sexual trauma.
To combat the problem, the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs are working on prevention and healing solutions for MST. The head of USF’s Women and Gender Studies department and chair of the Women’s Status Committee, Diane Price-Herndl, believes her academic knowledge will help in prevention and healing.
Military sexual trauma is associated with a significantly elevated risk of hypertension. This link was present even after researchers accounted for other medical risk factors, lifestyle factors, and psychiatric disorders. Both men and women were at a higher risk. Further research is needed to determine whether early treatment of military sexual trauma can help prevent and treat cardiovascular disease.