The Danger of Prolonged MST Specific Mental Heath Counselling Wait Times!

The prolonged wait times for military sexual trauma (MST) survivors to receive psychological counseling from NHS-commissioned services can have significant and dangerous repercussions. Survivors of MST often experience severe psychological distress, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Delays in receiving treatment can worsen these symptoms, making recovery more difficult. The feeling of being neglected or dismissed by health systems may echo the lack of support survivors felt during or after the trauma, compounding their emotional suffering. Research shows that early intervention is critical in addressing the mental health impacts of trauma. Waiting over a year may lead to an increase in the risk of suicide or self-harm among survivors. Long waits may cause survivors to lose hope in the effectiveness of the system, reducing their willingness to seek help elsewhere or to persist in navigating the healthcare bureaucracy. Psychological distress often manifests in physical symptoms, such as chronic pain or gastrointestinal issues. Without timely counseling, these symptoms can escalate, leading to additional healthcare needs. Some survivors may turn to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism, which can lead to addiction and further physical health complications. Untreated MST-related trauma can strain personal relationships, leading to isolation and loss of support networks. Mental health challenges can impact a survivor’s ability to maintain employment or effectively reintegrate into civilian life, particularly for veterans transitioning from military service. Long wait times may reinforce the perception that the healthcare system undervalues the needs of MST survivors, leading to diminished trust in public services. Survivors may feel discouraged from seeking help in the future, believing that the effort is futile or that their needs are not a priority. Early intervention provides an opportunity for holistic care, addressing both immediate psychological needs and underlying issues such as co-occurring disorders or physical health conditions. Timely sexual trauma counseling could prevent the development of more severe conditions, reducing the overall burden on the healthcare system. The dangers outlined underscore the urgent need for systemic improvements which should include allocating more resources to reduce wait times for veteran specific psychological counseling services. Raising awareness of Military Sexual Trauma and coordinating care between NHS and sexual trauma informed military support systems could provide interim assistance. As could leveraging MST specific digital health services or peer-support programmess to bridge the gap during long waiting periods. The current delays in care for MST survivors reflect a critical shortfall in addressing the mental health crisis faced by those who have already endured significant trauma. Addressing this issue is not only a moral imperative but also essential for the well-being and reintegration of survivors into society.

Tony Wright CEO Forward Assist