Stephanie Kostopoulos & Beth Demme
Stephanie Kostopoulos & Beth Demme
The Reality of Being a Female Veteran (with Katrina)
The Reality of Being a Female Veteran (with Katrina)
The Reality of Being a Female Veteran (with Katrina)
Friday 11th November 2022
Katrina shares her journey as a female veteran with Steph and Beth on 'Discovering Our Scars'. Hear about her deployments, PTSD struggles, and more.
51 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
About this podcast
Author:
Stephanie Kostopoulos & Beth Demme
Overview:
Categories:
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Recovery from Trauma
Relationships & Community
Healing Relationships
Religion & Spirituality
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Episodes:
162 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Katrina's Journey: Life as a Female Veteran on 'Discovering Our Scars'
I know that one of the hardest, hardest parts for me was I had Ptsd, anxiety, all the fun stuff that comes with being a soldier. Basically just made me feel like an like, almost like an alien, where it's just like you can't.
What does it mean to be a female veteran in today's world? In this eye-opening episode of 'Discovering Our Scars', hosts Stephanie Kostopoulos and Beth Demme sit down with Katrina, a long-time friend of Beth who served in the US Army from 1998 to 2014. Katrina’s story is one of resilience, bravery, and the unique challenges faced by women in the military.
From deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Korea to life after service, Katrina provides an unfiltered look at her experiences. Katrina shares the reality of being a woman in the armed forces, including the language barriers and cultural complexities she encountered. She recounts her initial reluctance to return to Arabic-speaking countries, only to find unexpected beauty and oppression in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. Her vivid descriptions offer a nuanced perspective on the impact of war on civilians.
The conversation also delves into the internal struggles many veterans face. Katrina opens up about her battle with PTSD and anxiety, describing how she felt like an alien upon returning to civilian life. Her candidness sheds light on the mental health challenges that often go unnoticed and unaddressed. Sexual harassment and assault are other stark realities Katrina discusses.
She highlights the personal accountability soldiers had to take to avoid dangerous situations, and her frustrations with the military’s handling of these issues. The episode wraps up with practical advice on how civilians can genuinely support veterans. Katrina suggests that instead of simply thanking veterans for their service, people should strive to be informed and involved citizens. This meaningful gesture, she believes, is the best way to show appreciation.
If you're curious about the real-life experiences of female veterans or looking for ways to support those who have served, this episode is a must-listen. Join Steph, Beth, and Katrina for an honest conversation that promises to broaden your understanding and empathy.