In the serene town of North Pole, Alaska, lives a remarkable woman whose story has inspired many. Kaydence Gartman, a military service member, has become a beacon of resilience as she confronts the lasting effects of military sexual trauma (MST) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Her path is one marked by adversity, healing, and a steadfast commitment to raising awareness for MST survivors. This article explores her life, the battles she has faced, and her ongoing efforts to reclaim her life while shining a light on the challenges that MST survivors endure.
The Incident and Its Consequences
Kaydence’s life changed dramatically after being sexually assaulted by a fellow service member. The event shattered her sense of safety, leaving her to contend with the emotional and psychological fallout. MST is an unfortunately frequent occurrence, affecting thousands of service members annually, and for Kaydence, it led to severe PTSD. She found herself grappling with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and even an eating disorder.
The toll of PTSD affected every aspect of her life. Daily tasks became overwhelming, and her heightened sensitivity to triggers made simple activities like being in public spaces anxiety-inducing. The trauma also led to a dependence on medication, complicating her dream of leading a normal life and eventually starting a family.
Pursuing Recovery
Recognizing the need for further support, Kaydence sought out ways to manage her PTSD, one of which was exploring the idea of a psychiatric service dog. These highly trained animals provide not only companionship but also critical emotional support for people living with PTSD. They help detect rising anxiety levels, interrupt dissociative episodes, and steer their handlers away from triggering situations, offering a crucial lifeline for those struggling with the condition.
Kaydence knew that obtaining a service dog could be life-changing but also came with a hefty financial cost. Determined to make it happen, she launched a fundraising campaign, sharing her story in hopes of receiving help from the community. Her GoFundMe page detailed the profound role a service dog could play in her healing journey.
The Vital Role of Service Dogs in PTSD Management
For individuals like Kaydence, a service dog serves as more than just a companion; it becomes an essential part of their recovery. Psychiatric service dogs undergo specialized training to carry out tasks designed to alleviate PTSD symptoms. These include:
- Detecting Panic Attacks: These dogs are trained to sense the onset of panic and step in to help calm their handler through nudging, licking, or applying pressure.
- Medication Reminders: Service dogs can be taught to remind their owners to take their medication, helping them adhere to their treatment routines.
- Interrupting Dissociation: In moments of dissociation, a service dog can bring their owner back to reality by initiating contact or guiding them to a safe space.
- Creating a Sense of Security in Public: Service dogs use techniques like “blocking” to keep physical distance between their handler and others, reducing feelings of vulnerability and helping prevent PTSD triggers.
For Kaydence, having a service dog represented more than just managing symptoms—it offered the promise of reclaiming her life, lowering her dependency on medication, and moving closer to her long-term goals, including starting a family.
Advocacy and Community Support
Kaydence’s story resonated far beyond her small town. Her bravery in sharing her struggles and her determination to seek help struck a chord with many who had faced similar challenges. The outpouring of support from her community was overwhelming, with donations quickly coming in to help her reach her goal.
More than just financial support, Kaydence’s story has served as an advocacy platform for raising awareness about MST and the mental health challenges that follow. By publicly speaking out, she has become an advocate for fellow survivors, encouraging them to seek help and reminding them that they are not alone.
Her experience also points to the broader issue of the need for more robust resources for MST survivors in the military. While there have been strides in addressing sexual assault within the armed forces, many survivors still struggle to access the care they need. Kaydence’s journey underscores the necessity of ongoing reform and advocacy to ensure that all service members have the support and care they deserve.
A Hopeful Future
As Kaydence continues her path to recovery, she looks toward the future with hope. The service dog she seeks will not only help her regain independence but will also offer her the chance to live free from the constant fear and anxiety that has overshadowed her life since the assault. In time, she hopes to fulfill her dream of starting a family and living a life defined by healing rather than trauma.
Her story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community. By sharing her experiences, Kaydence has not only made strides in her recovery but also paved the way for others to seek the help they need.
Conclusion
Kaydence Gartman’s journey is one of profound strength, recovery, and advocacy. As she continues to face the daily challenges of living with PTSD, her unyielding resolve to heal and her dedication to advocating for other MST survivors serve as an inspiration to many. Through her efforts to acquire a service dog and raise awareness about military sexual trauma, she is making a meaningful difference—not only in her own life but in the lives of countless others who are fighting similar battles.
