Military Stress Disorder: Part III - Symptoms and Treatment

Today's Featured Guest Writer is:  Arlene Karidis, Freelance Writer

So how do you know if you or someone you care about is experiencing Military Sexual Trauma (MST)?  The signs, as with anyone who has been sexually abused, could be many....

Symptoms: 

Flashbacks; nightmares; memories of the abuse; anxiety; a feeling of being unsafe; depression; guilt; emotional numbness; new or increased drug or alcohol use; isolating oneself; difficulty controlling emotions such as:

• Anger
• Sadness, and or irritation
• Insomnia / sleeping too much
• Changes in physical or mental health
• Sexual dysfunction

These symptoms may not happen right away.  Sometimes they take months or even years to surface.

Specific Treatments or Exercises May Include:

Cognitive Processing Therapy - This treatment is specifically designed to address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in sexual assault survivors.  Individuals are "re-exposed" to the traumatic experience in a safe setting when the therapist has them write about and read their accounts of the event.  This exercise elicits the feared memories of sexual assault survivors and encourages processing of emotions.

Relaxation Techniques - Regularly practiced relaxation techniques have proven benefits from lowering blood pressure to reducing the odds of getting or further aggravating heart disease.  By calming the body and mind, they help relieve trauma symptoms.  A few relaxation techniques that you can take classes on or learn about through health care providers are:  Breathing slow, deep breathing brings oxygen to the cells, and can aid in relaxation and boosting energy.

Guided Imagery - With guided imagery, your recreate in your mind relaxing scenes or experiences.  Your body reacts to these imagined scenes almost as if they were real, calming you and letting adrenaline disperse.  The ultimate goal is to achieve a relaxed state to help you heal and feel more in control of your emotions and thought processes.

Multiple Exercises and Activities Such as:

• Massage Yoga
• Tai Chi
• Medication, and
• Art Therapy.

Click here for more information on each of the above.

Treatment for Alcohol and Substance Abuse

It is very common for women who have been sexually abused to have addictions problems and treatment for alcohol and substance abuse is offered when needed.  Addressing the addiction enables more effective treatment for sexual abuse and trauma without the unhealthy behavior heightening as a means to cope with the trauma induced by the abuse.

Veterans Affairs - has developed trauma services to address the psychological and medical issues of sexual abuse.  Outpatient mental health services focusing on sexual trauma, specially trained counselors, and more intensive residential or inpatient treatment programs for sexual trauma are among supports soldiers can turn to.  Know that treatments usually take time, but are often very successful.  Sometimes the problems require ongoing, even life-long "management".

To Get Help

Call 1-800-827-1000 (VA Benefit Hotline)

You can find MST services through your local VA Medical Center and / or Vet Center.  Click here for Centers' Directory VA Facility Locator.

Veterans who feel they have unrightly been denied a clam can contact a veteran's disability lawyer.  You can find one in your area on the Internet.

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Arlene Karidis has written extensively on health care for life style magazines, newspapers, and the health care industry.  She brings you news of recent medical breakthroughs; heart-clenching survivors' stories; women's, children's, and seniors' health issues.  And she offers tips and resources for accessing information and supportive services.

To contact Arlene with questions about her write-ups on www.barbsdailydose.com or to inquire about her written services:  agkaridis@msn.com

Comments

[Acupuncture Treatment]

Nice post! Very informative to me. I am trying something like this. Meditation involves sitting in a relaxed position and clearing your mind. Focus on your own breathing. It is necessary to have at least 5 to 20 distraction-free minutes to spend. It is very helpful in stress. I have been enjoying...!