Charlie Health discusses the toll military sexual trauma takes on veteran mental health and provides information on mental health resources for survivors. Military sexual trauma is shockingly common—Here’s how it affects mental health
Among the many dangers faced by those serving in the military, sexual trauma is shockingly common. About 1 in 3 female veterans seen by Veterans Affairs (VA) providers report experiencing military sexual trauma — defined as any sexual assault or sexual harassment that happens during military service. About 1 in 50 male veterans report military sexual trauma, too. Self-reports and interviews show higher prevalence rates of military harassment and assault for veterans of all genders compared to reviews of VA medical records, data shows . Military sexual trauma takes a toll on the mental health of survivors. Among the most commonly diagnosed conditions following military sexual trauma is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that already disproportionately affects veterans. According to the VA, about 7% of veterans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Surviving military sexual trauma, though, significantly increases the odds of meeting the criteria for PTSD, data shows . In fact, emotional bullying, physical assault, and sexual harassment and assault were all associated with PTSD symptoms among survivors, according to one study . PTSD and other mental health symptoms resulting from military sexual trauma are treatable, but factors like stigma and financial barriers stop some veterans from accessing the care they need — at times with dire results: roughly 17 veterans die by suicide each day, according to a 2022 report , and military sexual trauma puts veterans at a significantly higher risk of suicide, data shows . If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, this is a mental health emergency, and you should contact the 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. To assess how military sexual trauma affects survivors’ mental health, Charlie Health looked at the numbers, including data on rates of depression and PTSD among survivors. We also offer some evidence-based tips on how survivors of military sexual trauma can care for […]
Military sexual trauma is shockingly common—Here’s how it affects mental health
