For some military sexual trauma (MST) survivors, Remembrance Day comes with its own hurdles.
According to Brian Sullivan, public relations manager for Addiction Campuses:  “A large number of women suffer from PTSD after sexual-physical assaults." The lack of support, empathy or acknowledgement towards MST survivors left many with a bitter-sweet experience of the military. MST survivors with PTSD can be triggered by military ceremonies or insensitive queries about their own service. This can bring a wide range of mixed emotions on the day meant to honour military sacrifice. Here are ways to help you alleviate PTSD symptoms during Remembrance Week.

Recognizing the warning signs of distress
Women and men who suffered military sexual trauma might still be struggling with fear, anxiety, embarrassment, or profound anger as a result of these experiences.
As Remembrance Day is approaching, look for the following symptoms listed by American Veterans Affairs: 
  • Feeling depressed, angry, irritable, jumpy or emotionally numb;
  • Trouble falling or staying asleep and experiencing disturbing nightmares;
  • Trouble staying focused and having a hard time remembering things;
  • Getting intoxicated or “high” to cope with memories or to fall asleep;
  • Difficulty feeling safe and avoiding reminders of the experiences;
  • Isolating or disconnecting from others;
  • Sudden eating and gastrointestinal problems or loss/ increase of sexual desire;
  • Feeling ashamed for struggling to cope.

How can I prepare myself?
Everyone has different ways of coping with stress and upsetting events. The following coping skills issued from Soldiers And Families Embraced and Brentwood  can help you manage stress:
Before Remembrance Day
  • Make specific plans for Remembrance Day to keep your mind occupied with other things than memories of the event.
  • Use stress reduction techniques in preparation for November 11 such as mindfulness, or breathing, talking to people or exercising. You can also look on the itsjust700 “We like” section to find mobile applications to alleviate PTSD symptoms.
  • Set boundaries during that time. Ask friends to avoid certain topics (sexual assault, rape in the news etc.) or to avoid unsolicited touching.
  • Participate in a commemorative ceremony, making a charitable donation, giving blood, helping others, or dedicating the day to spending time with family. We also encourage MST survivors to “Get their teal on” on Remembrance Day. Teal is the color of military sexual trauma. Wearing a teal scarf, along with your poppy, a piece of jewelry or even teal nail polish can give you a sense of belonging when you commemorate.
  • Surround yourself with support from friends, family and/ or professionals in case you feel like hurting yourself or someone else. If you need extra support, please consider joining our secret the Itsjust700 peer-support Facebook group. More info on the Home page.
  • Get enough sleep, fresh air and exercise.
  • Eat healthy foods in healthy amounts.
  • Exploring your thoughts and beliefs about the trauma: track (write in a journal for example) the impact of the sexual violation and the feelings associated with it.

On November 11
  • Acknowledge what you are currently experiencing and its effects.  
  • Avoid alcohol abuse, drug use, unsafe sex and reckless driving.
  • Allow yourself to withdrawal from a group for a while, when needed.
  • In case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

How can you help a loved one through this time?
  • Don’t push them to participate in gatherings. Let them set their own pace of what they are comfortable doing.
  • Talk to them and be there to listen.
  • Be careful with your words! Be respectful with things you may say or ask regarding service time.
  • Know the signs of suicide and be cautious to them.
  • If you know an MST survivor that is alone this weekend, take a little of your time and visit with them

Keep in mind…
  • There is not one classic anniversary reaction.
  • Often, the feelings leave after the commemoration.

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