Transcript
I was 27 at the time.
As a young female, going to the VA hospital
is really intimidating, especially -- my PSTD stems from
military sexual trauma, it's not just combat-related.
So, I was very definitely a minority.
It was rare that I saw other women,
and when I did they were usually
the spouses of the Veterans up there being treated.
So, it was awkward just going to
the general admission appointments and stuff.
I didn't feel like I fit up there, and I didn't feel like
I deserved the treatment compared to other people.
I was told later that this is a common feeling
for younger Vets, but that's a stigma that I had to deal with.
They opened up the women's clinic up there at the VA,
here in Salt Lake City, and that's actually what helped
immensely because it's all staffed by women,
and they're very sensitive towards other females
with military sexual trauma,
and so I received a lot of support and help.
And there was a social worker up there
who really was supportive and helpful, and she helped me
get in touch with some people and get into a group.
And actually, it was another female Veteran
that got me into the coping skills group,
and that's kind of where my real treatment began,
was in that group.