In 2017, struggling with depression, a veteran sought help from a behavioral health team at the VA. Through guided meditation, counseling, and therapy, he regained mental and physical strength, fostering a positive relationship with his therapist. Now advocating for mental health, he emphasizes the importance of therapy and self-care in healing.
Tag Archives: Mental
Choose Compassion
Madigan Army Hospital, one of the oldest and largest hospital systems in the military sits proudly inside the gates of JBLM (Joint Base Lewis-McChord). This place evokes a lot of different emotions for me. I spent 4 and a half years on Fort Lewis in Washington, probably driving by Madigan ten thousand times. There wereContinueContinue reading “Choose Compassion”
When You Feel Your Worst, Dress Your Best
We’ve all been there. Joining the sweatsuit mafia… especially during Covid lockdown, where pants are always optional. Being paralyzed and sitting constantly causes a lot of strain on my skin. Keeping my bum healthy has been a main priority since day one in the hospital. I don’t talk about it often but I actually developed aContinueContinue reading “When You Feel Your Worst, Dress Your Best”
Disability Pride
I feel like every month there is a new hashtag on social media. A new calendar of dedicated themes. One that is currently going around in the disability community is #disabilitypridemonth . Seems strange to me, especially following huge celebrations & displays like pride month for the LGBTQ community. I’ll admit that I think youContinueContinue reading “Disability Pride”
Be a Survivor
No, I’m not talking about the TV show. This post may come off a little insensitive so I’ll apologize ahead of time. After a traumatic incident you’re faced with two options. You can fight back and push, or you can fold like a lawn chair. You can be a survivor or a victim.Part of meContinueContinue reading “Be a Survivor”
The Keyboard Effect
Social media is a great tool to use these days for so many different applications. With all of the free time that I have now, I find myself more and more absorbed into it. To be honest, if I didn’t have the blog then I think that I would probably delete my personal Facebook account.ContinueContinue reading “The Keyboard Effect”
Home for the Holidays
The author reflects on their evolving experiences celebrating Christmas from 2013 to 2019. After joining the Army, they appreciated holidays with family, even while facing challenges like hospitalization in 2017. By 2019, they enjoyed a joyful Christmas surrounded by loved ones, illustrating personal growth and resilience amid life’s changes.
The Ebb and Flow of Traveling with an SCI
Life is nothing but highs and lows. In the words of Ol’ Blue Eyes “you’re flying high in April, and you’re shot down in May”. But hey, that’s life. And if you don’t know Frank Sinatra then I suggest you listen to his classics. My point is that everybody goes through the ebbs and flowsContinueContinue reading “The Ebb and Flow of Traveling with an SCI”
Goal Setting and Staying Motivated
If there is one thing that I hope you take away from my journey, it is that there is always something to strive for. Complacency can seem easy to embrace, especially after such a life changing injury. It would be too easy for me to sit around and mope about how I’ll never be strongContinueContinue reading “Goal Setting and Staying Motivated”
Dwellings In The Rearview
I know, I know… the title is pretty synonymous with my overused statement of “keep moving forward” but oh well, here we are. So something happened while I was sitting next to my girlfriend and puppy on the front porch this last weekend. The weather felt like a cool and tranquil fall morning which oddly calmedContinueContinue reading “Dwellings In The Rearview”