Surviving Assault Secrets: The Stunning Repercussions For Men That Speak Up (Part 3)
USMC veteran, Brian, shares his story in the latest episode of The Silenced Voices of MST
In the final part of this series, Brian, a Marine Corps veteran, gives us the meat and potatoes of managing PTSD, sleep, and intrusive thoughts. He credits much of his growth to guided meditations and continuously searching out new and different types of coping strategies that help him regain his power.
Brian's New Outlook on Life and Coping
Continuing his story from Part 2, Brian describes importance of meditation, finding the right therapist, and using storytelling as a tool for recovery. He also discusses the toxic culture within the military and why systemic change is necessary to protect future service members:
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Brian explains how sleep meditation and hypnosis techniques helped him process his trauma and find a sense of calm amid the chaos. Apps like Headspace are beneficial to those who have difficulty with insomnia due to anxiety, PTSD, and intrusive thoughts that can make it next to impossible to fall or stay asleep.
Like many survivors, Brian faced roadblocks within the military and VA system when seeking acknowledgment and assistance. He discusses how victim-blaming and also having mental health providers give up on him several times made it even harder for him to make progress. But he does stress that if you need help, keep trying. You will find someone that you mesh with, it takes time with different personalities to work together and build trust and rapport in therapy.
Toxic Military Culture & Systemic Failures
Brian and Rachelle discuss how harassment, abuse, and leadership failures create a culture where MST continues to happen unchecked. Although many members of the military are ready to ignore or outright deny the experiences of lives touched by MST, it doesn’t change reality. MST is a problem, and will continue to be until we address it as a systemic issue that is deeply ingrained in military culture. Brian shares why he decided to go public with his story, despite the stigma and backlash survivors often face. He explains how telling his truth helped him reclaim his power and encourage others to do the same.
Brian urges fellow survivors to seek help, share their stories, and find community in advocacy.
Click here to explore more survivors stories.
"Holding onto trauma is like a disease—it eats away at you.”
Key Takeaways:
Meditation can be a powerful healing tool for MST survivors.
Speaking out about trauma can be liberating and empowering.
The military must enact systemic changes to support MST survivors.
Finding the right therapist is crucial—don’t stop searching until you find one that fits.
Every survivor’s story matters, and sharing it can help others heal.
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Resources:
Visit Brian’s Website: 8Bmedia.com
Read More: GQ Article on Male Rape in the Military
Need help processing or want to share your story? Join our supportive community on Facebook: The Advocates of MST
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Michael Sealey’s Guided Meditations: YouTube Channel
Cal Melkez’s Sleep Meditations: YouTube Channel
If you are in crisis or need immediate support, call the Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then 1
If this episode resonates with you, please share it, comment your thoughts, and leave a review to help amplify survivor voices. Together, we can change the conversation around MST and push for meaningful reform.
🎧 Full Episode Available on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/silencedvoicesmst
Part 1 of MSTy’s story will release on March 18, 2025.
