Non-Combat Trauma with Special Guest Brittany Smith

This episode contains discussions of bullying, abuse of power, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. If you experience any discomfort, reach out to a helping agency in your area or one listed in the resources section.

In this episode, Brittany and Christina share their non-combat trauma experiences while in the Air Force. They also share how those experiences impacted their transition in different ways.

We discussed:
1:37 Brittany introduces herself
3:20 Overview of trauma
8:05 Brittany shares part of her story
12:40 shaming individuals to report
19:54 Christina shares her story
26:48 Brittany discusses medical harassment
28:23 Christina continues her story
36:02 Brittany continues her story
36:27 Being targeting for being a good wingman and being knowledgeable
43:08 Non-combat trauma exists in the military
44:53 Brittany shares about being retraumatized
52:13 the fear of sharing with others
53:19 effect trauma had on Brittany’s transition
57:22 effect trauma has on Christina’s transition
59:57 Christina found her purpose through her challenges
1:01:28 Everyone’s experience is different
1:06:00 Stigma of being labeled “disabled”
1:07:40 your next chapter is YOUR choice
1:10:35 Christina’s closing thought

Guest Bio:
Brittany Smith is an Air Force veteran and military trauma survivor. She is an active mental health advocate. Brittany believes that it is a personal choice in how one moves through the aftermath of experiencing trauma.

Christina Herr is an Air Force veteran and military trauma survivor. She is an active resilience and suicide prevention advocate-focusing on transitioning service members and veterans. Christina is passionate about getting the word out that there is more to military trauma than combat experiences.

Resources:
Boys Town Crisis Line 1.800.448.3000
Sexual Assault Hotline 1.800.656.4673
Youth Crisis Line 1.800.448.4663
The Struggle Is Real eCourse https://www.livewithcouragetoday.com/the-struggle-is-real-attend