Summary

In this episode, Misty shares her personal journey of surviving Military Sexual Trauma. She describes how reading, pets, and uplifting resources became lifelines during years when she had no support . Misty reflects on the value of gratitude, positivity, and small daily practices that helped her endure panic attacks, dissociation, and isolation. She also offers direct advice for service members currently facing harassment and for veterans beginning their healing later in life. Her story makes clear that there is a long-term physical and emotional toll of unresolved trauma and the importance of prioritizing emotional wellness and community support as soon as possible.

Misty’s advice is a real-life example of how connection is central to healing from Military Sexual Trauma. Small, simple acts can build a sense of belonging. Finding people who understand MST is not only possible but essential for recovery. The pain of isolation can turn into discovering a community, giving strength and bonds that help survivors move toward lasting healing.

For a full episode summary, visit The Silenced Voices Blog Post| The Best Advice I Can Give About Surviving MST (MSTy’s Story | Part 3) We highly recommend visiting the blog if you find it difficult to hear stories of trauma or mental health struggles. The blog gives an extensive trauma-informed overview of the episode's contents, as well as a list of potentially triggering content timestamps (also listed below).

Resources

1. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl


2. The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale


3. The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Alan Singer

Trigger Warning Timestamps

• (00:14 - 00:31 ) On-screen details of MST markers


• (01:26 - 01:33 ) Mentions of mental health conditions like dissociation and panic attacks


• (11:25 - 14:22 ) Discussion of long-term physical toll, regrets about not being emotionally present

Resources

• Join our supportive community on Facebook: The Advocates of MST


• DoD Safe Helpline: https://www.sapr.mil/dod-safe-helpline


• The Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then 1