Veteran Doctor

Veteran Doctor - Episode10 - The Veteran’s Perception and Social Stigmas

Good Morning Veterans, Family, and Friends, welcome back to the TENTH EPISODE of the Veteran Doctor. On this week's podcast, we will discuss The Veteran's Perception and Social Stigmas. We will also continue our fun facts of UBI (Useful Bits of Information) and Veteran News, so stick around for some great stuff!

Every veteran that transitions from military life into the civilian world has to deal with some judgment during their reintegration. You know what I am talking about. Society has preconceived opinions of veterans based on one percent of the population’s actions or the media. We are dangerous! Uneducated! Crazy! Unstable! All of these are labels that continue to haunt generations of veterans. All of these labels couldn’t be further from the truth. Here we are, after more than 20 years of our nation’s most recent and longest war, as we continue to fight battles at home: the war against stigmas associated with what it means to be a veteran and the war inside ourselves.

According to the Veterans Affairs, post 9-11 veterans seek care at the VA more than before. The VA data shows that from 2002 to 2009, one million troops left active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan, becoming eligible for VA care. Of forty-six percent of those soldiers who sought VA services, almost half were diagnosed with mental health conditions. The unfortunate fact is that there are many more veterans out there who have never sought care because of the stigmas associated with our brain.

As a veteran of the Army who has been diagnosed with both traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), I understand firsthand why veterans do not seek help. We don’t want to be seen as helpless, soft, different, and we certainly don’t want our families, friends, or colleagues to lose confidence in us.

Veterans deal with stigmas every day as they transition into their new civilian lives, whether it is through social judgment or from self-stigmas or negative perceptions. The gap continues to widen between military veterans’ experiences and civilians' understanding. Recent research shows that over seventy percent of veterans feel that civilians do not understand the problems they face, and over seventy percent of civilians report they do not understand the challenges veterans face. Also, research shows that fewer Americans have personal ties to the military, and those who do not are less likely to offer support to families who do. These gaps in understanding can lead to military veterans feeling isolated from their civilian communities, which could interfere with their reintegration.

Other studies have found that an anticipated stigma is a significant concern of military veterans. The term "anticipated stigma" refers to the concerns of being mistreated by others, being devalued, and discriminated against for holding a stigmatized attribute. In this case, for being associated with the military or identifying as a military veteran. Research has shown that civilians vastly overestimate the percentage of veterans who are likely to experience PTSD, believing that over fifty percent suffer from it. Actual prevalence rates suggest it is closer to ten to twenty percent. This concerns the documented stigmas associated with PTSD, mainly that those with the disorder are violent or crazy.

A recent research study showed how civilians feel towards military members using a measurement of implicit bias. This term is referred to as negative bias without conscious awareness or knowledge affected by feelings, behaviors, and decision-making. It is precisely shaped over a lifetime through firsthand learned experiences and indirect messages from family, culture, and media exposure. This study recruited forty-eight undergraduate students to complete a measure of implicit bias against military veterans using the Implicit Association Task test. Examples can be seen at implicit.harvard.edu. Results indicated that the civilians showed a mild negative bias toward veterans, which were not affected by any other influence like biological sex, political affiliation, or by the family history of military service. It is essential to note this study was the first of its kind, and it used a tiny non-representative sample. However, it did provide evidence that stigmatization occurs implicitly.

Stigmas and the fear of stigma are widespread among Veterans with PTSD, and both have damaging effects on a Veterans' well-being and participation in their mental health treatments. The internalized stigma has harmful consequences of societal stigmas and has been associated with feelings of decreased hope, morale, self-esteem, personal motivation, and persistence in regards to illness management among individuals with a wide range of mental illnesses.

I encourage my fellow veterans, their friends, and family members to educate themselves about veteran mental health and how it affects both self and societal perceptions of veteran stigmas. Know that through persistence, resourcefulness, and self-discipline—the same qualities taught in the military—we can change our brains physiologically and psychologically with or without a diagnosis of TBI and PTSD. Labels should not place limits on our brain’s health, and they most certainly do not define our brain’s potential. Mental health conditions are not signs of weakness and do not last a lifetime; they are treatable and can be overcome with persistence and perseverance.

I am asking fellow veterans to commit to shattering the social stigmata associated with mental health conditions in veterans. I encourage all of you to gain a greater understanding of our greatest asset; the brain. This will allow us to help reduce the stigma of TBI, PTSD, and the old-fashioned notion that the brain can’t improve. We need to begin a new, more hopeful global conversation around veteran mental health, allowing us to honor our patriots today and in the future. We owe this to them and all they have done for our country!

Veteran Doctor - Episode 9 - Sharing Your Veteran Experiences with Civilians

Good Morning Veterans, Family, and Friends, welcome back to the NINTH EPISODE of the Veteran Doctor. On this week's podcast, we will discuss Sharing Your Veteran Experiences with Civilians. We will also continue our fun facts of UBI (Useful Bits of Information) and Veteran News, so stick around for some great stuff!

I keep running into more and more veterans who continually ask me one big question. “What is the one thing you miss the most about the military?” Well, I have to say the most significant thing is the military camaraderie that doesn’t exist in the civilian sector. The military creates a tight-knit group of people that develop bonds, and camaraderie rarely felt anywhere else. Granted, veterans have to wade through some BS to get to it sometimes, but often that camaraderie is what got us through it. There is no mistake that military camaraderie is something unique and special, and it probably ranks as the primary thing veterans miss when they transition out of the military. Certain groups exist that may come close, but the true friendships formed from experiences in military training and combat cannot be compared. I have conflicting emotions and memories as to whether I genuinely miss the military. I guess I miss portions of the military life and camaraderie, however that chapter is behind me, and it is time to create a new chapter. So how can we take this military camaraderie and share it with our civilian counterparts? Here are some ideas and advice on how to keep military camaraderie alive after you’ve transitioned to civilian life.

BRING MILITARY CAMARADERIE TO THE CIVILIAN WORLD AND FRIENDS

Many civilians you will interact with will not understand or even comprehend the bonds that military brotherhood and sisterhood are like. However, you can attempt to educate them by bringing the value of military kinship to the civilian world. Show them how to look out for other friends/co-workers, offer others help when they need it, and be loyal to each other. Nothing must be expected back, except the chance to change how people interact around you. The attitudes of others will change quickly, and it will become infectious. Additionally, it can help identify individuals who may share similar values, and you can recreate a new form of that camaraderie you miss.

TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY AND TALK TO PEOPLE

Another way to connect with people is to stop and talk to them. Grab a cup of coffee, take up a hobby, or get outside your social circle. Last month, I decided to play golf. I haven’t played golf in over ten years and have never been that good, but I just wanted to try again. So, I went and met up with three other players that I have never met before. Two players were veterans! We have a blast! We talked about old times, improved our golf, joked, and now have new golf partners. It is amazing what happens when you think outside the box. You can build some unique camaraderie if you try.

CREATE AN SUPPORT GROUP

Military camaraderie goes beyond active duty. You are not the only one who has transitioned out of the military. Finding success in the transition is different for everyone, so bumps in the road will be experienced and are inevitable. Take care of each other through these challenging times. There may be many barriers like distance and working vastly different careers, but make a real effort to keep in touch. If someone is having trouble, do what you would have done while on active duty: come together and take care of one another. Sometimes this is as simple as sending what you can monetarily spare, arranging meals, listening, or providing a place to stay during difficult times. Too many veterans fall by the wayside during this civilian transition and find themselves homeless or suicidal. Maintain your former community. As veterans, we need to look out for each other.

EXTEND YOUR COMMUNITY TO FELLOW VETERANS

Military camaraderie is strongest among veterans who have served together; however, it usually exists universally between every veteran. Despite any generational differences, when veterans meet, there is an instant kinship and common ground. Without a doubt, these moments can go a long way for both you and the fellow veterans. It can be enrichening for your soul. You can take it another level by volunteering at a veterans support group.

An example of this is at veteran homeless shelters. You can help change the lives of the vulnerable veteran population. Military camaraderie does not have to disappear when you transition and become a civilian. While we must learn how to function in the civilian world, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take our military values with us. The very concept of military kinship is a compelling value we can educate and offer to the civilian society while continuing to give to our fellow veterans through maintaining support networks and establishing new ones. The experience will never be precisely the same, but that military camaraderie can be just as important.

Veteran Doctor - Episode 8 - Coping - How do you Cope?

Good Morning Veterans, Family, and Friends, welcome back to the EIGHTH EPISODE of the Veteran Doctor. On this week's podcast, we will discuss Coping. How do you Cope?. We will also continue our fun facts of UBI (Useful Bits of Information) and Veteran News, so stick around for some great stuff!

 

As Veterans, we all have some kind of traumatic event that we have had to deal with in our lives. How we deal, or cope, with this trauma is key to our success, or failure, in our daily routines. There are many different ways to cope with these traumas. I want to share many different people’s approaches to coping with trauma and give different perspectives and techniques in how these different ways mitigate stress in their lives.

 

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle and Exercise

All veterans who have had high-stress jobs can benefit from basic stress-reduction techniques. To help reduce stress, there are basic daily things that can be done to help mitigate the effects of stress:

 

• Exercise regularly. Cardio and strength training reduces stress levels and keeps your mission ready.

 

• Get good sleep. Poor sleep or not enough sleep has a significant negative impact on wellbeing.

 

• Eat healthy. A good diet helps keep your body and mind in shape.

 

• Participate in relaxing activities. Breathing-based meditation and yoga, for example, can improve symptoms and reduce anxiety.

 

• Stay connected. The support of friends and family improves psychological health when facing stress.

 

• Get outside! Do not become a hermit and stay inside.

 

Socialize

Communication is key to anything, relationships, problems, work, friendships, and stress. Talk to others when stress becomes too high. The more you talk about your stress with people your trust, the most you get off your chest and find solutions to resolve your issue. You will also find that other people are experiencing similar problems in the world and you are not alone. If you feel that you have no one to talk to, there is always the VA crisis hotline, which is strictly anonymous, 1-800-273-8255. This is a great resource to talk to people about anything in a time of need.

 

Hobbies

Hobbies have the potential of bringing pleasure into our lives. Hobbies provide an outlet from daily stressors that can keep us from getting burned out in our jobs. They also offer numerous health benefits, from lower blood pressure to better physical function, higher positive psychological states, and less memory loss. Further, hobbies may improve our work performance if they improve our decision-making skills, creativity, and confidence. Taking up a hobby to relax and keep your brain focused provides additional skillsets to enhance future performance. Many hobbies can include Reading, Gardening, Shooting, Models, Woodworking, Cars, Motorcycles, Fishing, Photography, etc. Hobbies also have a social aspect to them by sharing your interests with others with shared pursuits. These social interactions can provide a degree of social support we may need.

 

Video Games

In recent wars, research has shown that the younger generation has used video games as a self-directed coping strategy to manage their physical and psychological stressors. This research found that gamers used video games to cope with challenges associated with their military service. Their coping mechanisms included escapism, managing self-diagnosed physical and/or psychological ailments, seeking social support (mainly multiplayer online games), and connecting with civilian life. Those who used video games to cope tended to have served longer, and they reported high escape, fantasy, and skill-development motivations for gameplay. While their favorite game genre was fantasy, military-themed games were a close second. Many of the favorite games involved the military through storylines, gameplay mechanics, or avatar tendencies. While video games were described as vehicles for escape and stress relief, avatars appear to be specific, though uncommon, vehicles for coping related to military identity. Avatars helped gamers negotiate their legitimacy and efficacy, notably after they returned to civilian life.

 

Education

Going to school, no matter what the age, gives you the ability to further your education and stimulate those brain cells in your head. It also allows you to educate yourself on anything you do not understand about your injuries or stress. I find that furthering my education has allowed me to control the effects of my PTSD and TBI by understanding my injuries and applying the concepts I have learned to the symptoms I am experiencing. Sort of self-treating myself. Many of my friends who are Psychologists have asked me to help them with some of their clients (who are veterans) because these veterans did not trust their doctors due to a lack of trust. They did not trust the Psychologist because the veteran did not feel the Psychologist did not understand what the veteran had been through since they had never served in the military. That is why I was brought into the picture I have. My education, combat experience, injuries, and education all make it easy for me to relate to the patient. This is why knowledge is essential for everyone to have when it comes to keeping the brain engaged. The old saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is not valid. You can!

 

All of these things are only suggestions. There are many other healthy things out there that are both mental and physically stimulating. You may be already engaging in these activities. Good for you! If you are not, then start today. Start slowly and progressively increase, so you do not overexert yourself. These activities are meant to be fun and relaxing.

Veteran Doctor - Episode 7 - Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Stick!

Good Morning Veterans, Family, and Friends, welcome back to the SEVENTH EPISODE of the Veteran Doctor. On this week's podcast, we will discuss How to make your New Year’s Resolutions Stick. We will also continue our fun facts of UBI (Useful Bits of Information) and Veteran News, so stick around for so great stuff to come.

As January begins, people whisper about their "resolutions." Have you ever followed through with these or even taken the time to write them down? This year is the time to make your resolutions count. Sit down and create your schedule for a New You in the New Year.

The biggest challenge to making your 2021 resolutions stick is creating practical ones, to begin with. If you're like the rest of America and eat out four times per week, then you may have a goal to save money and your waistline by kicking the fast-food restaurants to the curb. Instead of making bold statements such as, "I will not eat fast food for 2021," opt for "I will eat fast food no more than once every two weeks." As you achieve this goal, and it seems to become easier to avoid the golden arches, you can then refine your resolution to "I will eat fast food no more than once a month" And so on. When you decide to commit and write down your New You Resolutions this year, consider these helpful tips:

1. Write it Down

Avoid committing it to memory. Instead, write it out with pride and post it to remind you of the goals you have set.

2. Put a Number to it

Decide how many times a day, week, or month you can do something and shun away from saying "every day." Life happens, and you don't want "every day" to be the cause of you throwing in the towel altogether on your goals.

3. Keep it Realistic

Although the idea of losing 10 lbs in a week sounds excellent on infomercials, it's neither realistic nor healthy. Weight loss goals should be based on losing 1 - 2 lbs per week. If you want to lose it and keep it off, then choose to keep your goals real.

4. Enlist Help From Others

This is the time to call your best friend and convince him or her to make a resolution with you. Use each other for the purpose of accountability. Call up your most energetic and motivated friends and have a Resolution Party.

5. Seek out the Advice of an Expert

If it's exercise goals, seek out a certified Exercise Physiologist, nutrition - meet with a Registered Dietitian, and if it's to organize your life - hire a Personal Organizer or Maid.

6. Set Yourself up for Success

Think positively when you set your goals. People have greater success adding to their daily life than taking away. Try this, "I will eat at least one cup of berries three times each week." When you add in fruit and vegetables, you often have less room for chips and dip.

7. Don't Forget to Follow-up

When you write down your goals, take the time to write down follow-up dates in your calendar. For weekly goals, check on yourself every three months, and for monthly goals, check on yourself in six months.

8. Last, but not Least, Remember to Reward

Treat yourself to a massage, a facial, or a new outfit when your resolution has been met, and your goal has become a habit.

New Year's Resolutions are a way for us to touch base with ourselves and look for ways to make improvements. Don't stress over them. Instead, make them positive, make them real, and make them stick. Here's to You in the New Year.

Veteran Doctor - Episode 6 - More New Year’s Resolutions for Veterans and Veterans Suicide

Good Morning Veterans, Family, and Friends, and Everyone who has returned back to listen in on the SIXTH EPISODE of the Veteran Doctor. On this week's podcast, we will discuss More New Year’s Resolutions for Veterans and dig into the topic of Veteran Suicide. We have also will continue to fun facts with our section on UBI (Useful Bits of Information) and Veteran News. Later I will also be discussing my New Book that is coming out soon, My Veteran Blog, and the Podcast Patron/Sponsorship Program, so stick around for so great stuff to come.

Welcome back to another month of fun and festivities. I hope the holidays have treated you well. Every year we get to this moment when we tell ourselves we are going to change some things in the coming year to better ourselves. The resolutions, or goals, are often not obtained due to lofty tasks and not being carefully thought out or planned in how they will be executed; like that of a military mission. Some common resolutions that many veterans look to achieve are categories of health, financial, mental health/happiness, and sharing or helping other veterans. I will look deeper into these goals to see if any of these things interest you as a focus of self-improvement in your upcoming year.

Health

Military veterans have always been healthy-minded individuals that have usually placed it as an essential part of their lives. It is expected that as the years' pass, many veterans forget about their previous military fitness regimens. Unfortunately, aging and life impact us all, but it doesn’t have to be quite so brutal if we take care of ourselves through exercise and eating right. Remember back when you started basic training, and you made (or were forced) to make a resolution to create a healthy routine. This does not mean you have to do 1000 pushup and sit-ups in the middle of the hot sun, but instead, you should start small and build up from there. Vow to make your health and fitness a priority in your life and a part of your daily routine. It is hard to resist the healthy feeling you will have when you are currently ill and overweight from an inactive lifestyle. So ultimately, set a small, realistic goal. Even if you just start walking 15 to 20 minutes a day, then built up from there in moderation, it will be worth it in the end. Do it for yourself. You will find that you will start feeling better and have more energy if you eat right and start taking better care of yourself.

Financial

Taking care of your body is only one part of the equation; taking care of your wallet is another part. This is an area that is sometimes very difficult for many people. Not everyone has the ability or luxury to save money, but there are a few simple things that you can do with your money to make it stretch further. Finding coupons is an easy way to save your hard-earned cash. Many people do not realize that coupons are everywhere, like the daily newspaper and even online, that applied to nearly every type of purchase. Another way to save more money is through Groupon. This resource allows you to save a lot of money in Las Vegas. Spending time to look up coupons online can save you thousands of dollars a year. There are also many discounts throughout the Las Vegas area as long as you research and ask. If they say “no,” then say respectfully “thank you.” It doesn’t hurt to inquire about a military discount. There are more discounts out there than you think. Some very recognizable ones are Vettix.org. These are free concerts, shows, and event tickets for veterans. Another benefit for veterans is Free National Parks Pass for veterans at www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes for free passes to any national park-like Lake Mead. Another great local resource is lv.houseseats.com to great show seats for local Las Vegas shows. There is a nominal fee for the annual membership, but it is well worth the cost and pays for itself upon the first use. Take the extra time to search for savings, and your wallet will thank you. You will also have fun too.

Mental Health / Happiness

This should be the easiest one, but for many, it is not. For veterans suffering from PTSD, or poor Mental Wellness, finding happiness can often be extremely challenging. A large percentage of veterans in the United States continue to struggle with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while society continues to look for ways to help these heroes. PTSD is diagnosed as being a mental health issue that results from having experienced or witnessed traumatic events and can result in symptoms of severe anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, insomnia, agitation, flashbacks, isolation, and other harmful side-effects. PTSD can debilitate a veteran's work, family, and social life to a level of being nonfunctional. Unfortunately, PTSD can be linked to the high suicide rate for U.S. veterans. Recent studies by the VA estimate that 20 veterans commit suicide every day. Even though veterans represent only 9% of the population, they make up 18% of Americans who commit suicide. Society has begun to recognize that the U.S. veteran population needs help overcome the residual effects of war.

Many times, some veterans need to know that there are many similar people out there that have traveled, and made it through, similar experiences of PTSD. A person living with PTSD never knows when a flashback might occur, or when something may trigger the memories, and what the physical reactions may be. Sometimes keeping up a happy appearance during the bout of depression can be just as exhausting and too much to handle as the original traumatic experience.

There is a wide range of 24-hour veteran crisis hotlines available for veterans who find themselves seriously struggling with these challenges. Any veteran can call toll free: 1-800-273-8255 and press “1” to reach someone immediately through the VA’s crisis line; their website also has confidential online chat and text options, as well as help for veterans with hearing impairment. In many cases, just allowing veterans to talk through your emotions or mental state can release them from the moment, and knowing that they are not alone can give them the strength they need.

Sharing and helping other veterans

Many veterans have an innate sense of duty to help other people. Why not help other veterans or share your time if you sense they are lonely. Take up a new indoor or outdoor hobby with them. Some veterans who are experiencing specific symptoms of PTSD – repetitive thoughts, racing mind, sensitivity to certain trigger noises, anxiety from being in crowds – can benefit from the peace acquired from hobbies. There is a wide range of hobbies and organizations that solely exist to help give veterans the chance to learn a new activity to quiet and heal the mind.

Another great way of sharing is getting involved with dog adoption agencies that are involved with veterans. Dogs help offer the benefit of companionship without any judgments or expectations to veterans who are challenged with the isolation and irritability from PTSD. Dogs are naturally vigilant and help remove that anxiety from a veteran who is experiencing difficulty with sleep. Most pets enjoy giving, receiving affection, and are naturally soothing. Dogs also are dependent on their owners, making them the main reason for a veteran to hold on, knowing they need to care for their pet in the future. Whether a veteran requires a highly-trained dog that can detect and react to signs of severe PTSD or a simple companion dog that is always there to hang out, there are specific programs that can help veterans, typically at little or no cost.

This year, we need to resolve to help one another find the happiest of times. If you know a veteran who is suffering from loss or mental health issues, get help immediately. Every day is precious and being mentally fit and happier is imperative. Sharing this information can also bring joy to others. If you know a veteran that needs some extra attention, help them out. Extending a helping hand, or paying it forward, makes the world a better place, and brings happiness to the heart.

Hopefully, this past year has brought you some great fun and memories. I hope and wish that the upcoming year will bring even better ones. Have a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

Veteran Suicide – A Very Real and Serious Issue

For nearly a decade, the veteran community has called for action by our nation’s leaders to respond to the 20 veterans a day suicidal rate. The issue of veteran suicide is now its conversation in media coverage, national conversation, and a surge of government support.

Yet, the problem of suicide continues. According to recent VA data, post-9/11 veterans between ages 18 to 34 have the highest rate of suicide. Though not always an indicator of suicide, mental health injuries continue to impact the post-9/11 generation. Surprisingly, 65% reported PTSD, and 58% anxiety, and 56% depression. The nation and VA continue struggling with mental health care and providers’ demands, two of the top VA staffing shortages.

There has been some progress. In mental health injuries, 3 in 4 are seeking care for their injury. Over the past few years, increased progress has been made in the realm of suicide prevention and mental health. The VA’s plan for transitioning veterans’ targets those in the post-9/11 population as an increased risk of suicide and engage them before the moment of crisis. The VA has leveraged telemental health care to expand its reach and predictive analytics to target the top 0.1% of veterans at risk for suicide.

According to a recently released report by the Department of Veterans Affairs veterans’ suicide rate ticked upwards recently despite increased public attention and funding on this problem.

However, the latest data still does not represent the present conditions. According to mental health experts, this ongoing coronavirus pandemic may cause larger increases in the rates of mental distress and self-harm among veterans.

Approximately from 2005 to 2018, the overall suicide rate has remained mostly unchanged, between 17 and 18 veterans a day. This rate is about 1.5 times that of the civilian population, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Among veterans, suicide rates remain about the same as the civilian U.S. population, but both are rising. Recent studies have announced that 325 active-duty members died by suicide in 2018, 40 more than in 2017, which has been the highest number since data started to be collected in 2001. Nobody knows why suicide rates continue to climb. Numerous public figures and awareness campaigns in recent years have quoted the figure of “20 or 22 a day” in reference to veterans’ suicide, but VA officials clarified that this estimate includes active-duty troops, guardsmen, and reservists.

Many fault demographics—85 percent of the veterans are male, and men die by suicide more often than women. But we also know that even female veterans die by suicide at a higher rate than civilians. In the 2019 VA suicide prevention annual report, women veterans’ suicide rate was 2.2 times greater than that of civilian women.

In addition to the demographics, factors of insomnia, depression, anxiety, sexual victimization, gun ownership, and substance use disorders also appear to contribute to suicidal risk. Older veterans also cope with aging, stress, or lingering effects of their military service that has never been addressed from the past, while many recently discharged veterans seem to have trouble with their relationships or transitioning challenges back to civilian life.

Now, psychologists within and outside the VA are leading efforts to improve suicide risk assessment and research to better understand and prevent veteran suicide. They are also developing and piloting interventions at both individual and community levels to respond to this deadly issue.

The recently released figures show that veterans who have died by suicide in 2018 were 6,435, up less than half a percent over the total veterans’ population. By comparison, there have been 7,032 troop deaths in conflict zones since 9/11, according to Defense Department statistics.

Veterans suicides made up approximately 14 percent of the total suicides in America in 2018. In recent years, VA officials have emphasized that mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts are not specific to the veterans’ community.

Findings highlighted the increasing problem of suicide among U.S. civilian adults and veterans and the need for suicide risk mitigation efforts.

Despite the lack of general progress in suicide prevention among veterans, some improvements have been occurring. Data shows that the rate of suicide among veterans who have used VA health services has decreased, and it is an encouraging sign that the department continues to learn as its works and cares for veterans.

The suicide rate among veterans who receive VA care has decreased by about 2.4 percent from 2017 to 2018.

Data has shown that suicide is indeed preventable through clinical and community-based prevention interventions, along with research and surveillance within the VA.

Although this report explains that suicide is preventable, suicide prevention is exceptionally complex.

Recently, Senate lawmakers passed a package of nine VA-themed bills to improve the department’s suicide prevention efforts. However, new incentives for the safe storage of firearms among veterans were proposed. A VA suicide report shows that firearms were involved in more than 68 percent of veterans suicides in 2018 compared to 48 percent of the rest of the American population.

A recent statistic has been widely quoted in the veteran community that highlights “22 veterans a day” committing suicide. It is a profoundly troubling statistic and has galvanized the veteran movement, both from inside the veteran communities and outside, to bring about a wide range of programming nationwide. The statistic, however, is widely misrepresented and misunderstood.

This statement — 22 veterans a day commit suicide — while widely advertised by politicians, media outlets, veterans service organizations comes from the VA’s 2012 Suicide Data Report, which examined the deaths of 21 states from 1999 to 2011. The report found that the estimated number of veterans was compared from a sample number of states, and evidence was uncertain in veteran identifiers on U.S. death certificates. An example shows that veteran suicides’ average age was nearly 60 years old, not representative of the Iraq and Afghanistan veterans’ generation.

A more current study surveyed 1.3 million veterans discharged between 2001 and 2009, discovering 1650 deployed veterans and 7703 non-deployed veteran deaths. Three hundred fifty-one of those were suicides among deployed veterans, and 1517 were suicides among non-deployed veterans. So, over nine years, there was one veteran suicide a day.

Although veterans have a suicide rate 50 percent higher than those who have never served, the rate of suicide was slightly higher among veterans who never deployed, which suggests that these causes extend beyond the trauma of war.

Coming home from war or merely transitioning from the military can be difficult. Various state and federal systems are set up to deal with this transition, how, ever cannot meet the need. Many people think that Veterans Affairs benefits programs like medical care, the G.I. Bill, the VA Home Loan, etc. are not helpful; however, they are. But, for the current generation of veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, the suicide rate is closer to probably one a day and most likely occurs within the first three years of return. While this is still very troubling, it definitely is not 22.

Although additional steps are needed to bridge the gap created by those who serve and those who have not, providing support for veterans to integrate back into their families and communities requires robust public-private partnerships. The veterans and the communities they live in are both responsible for bridging these gaps.

The challenges of adjustment to transition, post-traumatic stress (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and physical disabilities need to be addressed mainly as these things result in barriers in education, health care, employment, and overall individual well-being. Overall, the majority of these needs are being met by combining different veteran-serving nonprofits and VA support; however, many veterans do not know how to navigate this process. Unfortunately, there are still visible gaps in the system.

The veteran advocacy community needs to tailor our programs, especially in preventing suicides, to respond to this concerning data. One suicide is one suicide too many. Effective programs to help service members, veterans, and families transition to a positive life after service are necessary.

Another requirement is promoting supportive community relationships for veterans. We need to be developing programs specifically to address veterans’ needs while maintaining preventative care for recently returned veterans.

As veterans, we all pride ourselves on not making an emotional decision but the right decision. We should have the same commitment with veterans, which means we need to act within the framework of facts — advocacy and programming. Inadvertently, we are preying on a well-intentioned public by citing a misleading statistic to receive financial support, and that is not right.

As veterans, we are far more resilient than we give ourselves credit. If we do our jobs and extend a helping hand to our fellow veterans, we can reduce that suicide rate and ensure our fellow veterans avoid despair in the future.

Screening and Evaluation Expansion

The VA started a universal screening for suicide risk in all primary-care settings beginning in October 2018 and has conducted over 3.8 million veteran screenings for suicide. The screening protocol has three parts: The first part consists of primary screening for suicide risk using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, typically conducted by a registered nurse. If that screening indicates a positive result, the nurse will handoff the veteran to the primary-care provider to conduct a secondary screening utilizing the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale. If that screening is positive, then a comprehensive suicide risk evaluation is conducted by the primary care provider.

Another strategy deployed by the VA to help identify veterans at risk is REACH VET, a computer-based statistical risk algorithm that flags veterans based on their electronic health records. The program aims to identify and allow for preemptive care and support for veterans, usually before an individual even develops suicidal thoughts. Once a veteran has been recognized by REACH VET, the veteran’s VA mental health specialist calls to check up on them and conduct an additional evaluation to help determine any enhanced care is needed.

Promising interventions

After veterans at risk for suicide have been identified, the next step is to offer effective interventions. Over the past ten years, researchers have found that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce suicidal thoughts and behavior for veterans at risk. But limitations of these psychotherapy approaches is that they require multiple sessions and are not easily implemented.

To get more direct care to these patients, a 20- to 40­-minute intervention called the Safety Planning Intervention, designed to provide veterans with different coping strategies, reduce access to potential suicide methods like firearms and lethal medications, and help them establish follow-up treatment.

The research found that veterans who received this intervention were 45 percent less likely to attempt suicide with a safety plan in place for veterans.

Other promising VA suicide prevention interventions focus on technology to help patients at risk for suicide. A smartphone app has shown success in increasing the veterans’ coping abilities with unpleasant thoughts and emotions. The Virtual Hope Box app is modeled after CBT methodology that uses a physical box containing images that remind patients of positive experiences, people who care about them, reasons for living, or coping resources. Users can upload personal photos, videos, songs, and quotes; complete relaxation exercises, puzzles, and guided meditations; additional tools include coping mechanisms, including self-created cards and a phone contact list.

One of the essential aspects of suicide prevention among veterans is ensuring ongoing access to mental health care is available, particularly during transition times, when suicide risk can be higher. A unique way the military is working to ensure veterans have constant access to quality mental health care through its inTransition program, which offers expert coaching and assistance to find a new mental health provider for veterans. The program was created to ensure a good handoff between mental health providers when veterans are transitioning.

During the initial months after separation from the military, there is an increased risk to psychological health. That is why inTransition targets service members receiving psychological care in the 12 months before their military transition. All veterans are eligible for the program, and inTransition will find any local veteran care, even in the absence of VA. Even though the program is new, results are beginning to show successful increases in the veteran transition to new mental health providers.

Focusing on lethal means safety

While much of the VA’s efforts around preventing suicide focus on identifying and treating mental health issues, some experts point to the preventative measure surrounding firearms. Research shows that around 70% of military suicides involve firearms, compared with approximately 50% of suicides in the U.S. general population.

The military is more likely to own firearms and knows how to use them and that they are more likely to use firearms for the purpose of suicidal behavior as compared with the general population

An example can be shown that the firearm storage practices of more than 1,600 active-duty personnel from 2015 and 2018 at military primary-care facilities across the U.S. They found that nearly 36% of participants reported owning a firearm, but less than a third of those said their firearms were safely stored. About half indicated their firearms were not safely stored. More effort is needed to encourage veterans to keep their firearms safely. Findings from nonmilitary populations suggest this is an additional way to reduce suicide risk.

Locking up a gun will not prevent an argument with a spouse or overwhelming stress, but it could reduce the likelihood of these circumstances resulting in death.

The Veterans Health Administration is educating clinicians about the importance of asking veterans about firearms and whether they are safely stored, educating veterans about having friends restrict their firearms access during stressful times.

Using communities as support

Psychologists are looking for ways to prevent military suicides by looking for outside of military solutions. According to the 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, the suicide rate of veterans receiving recent VA care increased by 1.3%, while the suicide rate among veterans who were not receiving current VA care increased by 11.8%.

Another effort to provide a greater understanding of the role that communities play in their prevention of suicide is Operation Deep Dive. The study examines the community-based factors involved in suicide among veterans. It has developed a “sociocultural death investigation” tool to be used by researchers to conduct interviews with family members, colleagues, and friends of deceased veterans to better understand the lives of veterans who recently died by suicide. The goal is to identify the opportunities of prevention before a veteran enters any suicide situation.

Operation Deep Dive ultimately looks to where the community might have prevention points to divert an individual on the trajectory to suicidal death.

Hopefully this information has increased your knowledge on this serious social issue. If you a veteran in need or you know of a veteran who needs help please use the information below to help them.

Veterans experiencing any mental health emergency should contact the Veteran Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and select option 1 for VA staff personnel. Veterans or their family members can also text 838255 or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net for assistance.

 

References:

Bare, S. (2015). The Truth About 22 Veteran Suicides A Day. Task and Purpose. Retrieved From

https://taskandpurpose.com/support/truth-22-veteran-suicides-day/

Novotney, A. (2020). Stopping military and veteran suicides. American Psychological Association (APA). Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/01/ce-corner-suicide

Shane, L. (2020). Suicide Rate Among Veterans Up Again Slightly Despite Focus on Prevention Efforts. Military Times. Retrieved from https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2020/11/12/suicide-rate-among-veterans-up-again-slightly-despite-focus-on-prevention-efforts/

Image provided by Bare, S. (2015). The Truth About 22 Veteran Suicides A Day. Task and Purpose. Retrieved From

https://taskandpurpose.com/support/truth-22-veteran-suicides-day/

Veteran Doctor - Episode 5 - 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Veterans

Good Morning Veterans, Family, Friends, and Everyone else who wants to listen in on the Veteran Doctor Podcast's FIFTH EPISODE. On this week's podcast, we will discuss 10 New Year’s Resolutions for Veterans. We have included some new features and content in this podcast so stick around.

As we look into the next decade, I ask you to take some time to make some resolutions to help improve yourself both mentally and physically. Unfortunately, resolutions are challenging for many of us. If it takes you a whole year to resolve something that could significantly improve your life, do you think it will be easy to fix? I’m guessing probably not; otherwise, you would have started already and wouldn’t need a significant holiday to make you make a life-changing plan.

Let’s face it, New Year’s resolutions are almost useless unless we apply them. In fact, studies reveal, the percentage of Americans who keep their New Year’s resolutions is in the single digits. But the process of developing resolutions can be useful and instructive when it causes us to think.

No one can speak for all veterans, and I am not pretending to do so here. Nor am I attempting to tell anyone what to do; in fact, most of us probably do most of these things on this list already. But for the next year, and hopefully longer, I am committing to myself to live by each one of these resolutions. And if you are a veteran, I hope you will so too.

 

1) I will tell my story. Every Veteran’s story needs to be told. Sharing is therapeutic as it helps repair the mental wounds of war and keeps others informed about the battles we fight for them. These stories help encourage and inspire the next generation to support and defend the Constitution and our great nation. But I will ensure to tell my stories the right way and keep true faith in my country and to my fellow veterans.

 

2) I will not act entitled or in a manner as if the world owes me for my service. The world does not owe me anything simply because I am a veteran. All I want is a fair shake and the benefits I was promised as first enlisted in the military. Although appreciated, I do not feel entitled to expressions of gratitude for my service. I will not go live life with a chip on my shoulder, expecting that I deserve “more respect” simply because I had the privilege of serving my country.

 

3) I will help my fellow veterans when, where, and as much as I can. Veterans should strive to help each other. I will patronize other veterans’ businesses, and if I own my own business, I will employ veterans as a priority. I will support charities that provide a meaningful benefit to veterans. When appropriate, I will support veterans seeking public office. More importantly than any of the rest, I will give a shoulder, or an ear, or a hand up for any veteran who needs it.

 

4) I will ask for help when I need it. Twenty-two veterans A DAY committed suicide in 2015. That number, unfortunately, is not improving. I do know that I will NOT be one of them. I will not quit on myself, my country, or my fellow veterans, nor will I allow other veterans to do so. I will attack life with the same vigor I attacked the enemies of our country. I will not defeat myself.

 

5) I will check in with my buddy’s Gold Star family. I know it’s hard, I know it can be awkward, but it’s essential to look in on the families of our fallen. Pick up the phone and/or make a visit; it means so much to families to know that they are not alone and their loved ones are not forgotten.

 

6) I will remain engaged with my fellow citizens and set an example as a responsible citizen. The military is the most respected institution in the United States, and I will help keep it that way. I will live by the example of being responsible for citizenship and hold all fellow veterans to set the same standard.

 

7) I will always be proud of who I am, what I’ve done, and those who stood beside me. I don’t need to wait for history to judge whether my actions in servicing our country were right or wrong. I know in my heart that I did the right thing, and I’m proud to have carried the flag of our nation into battle on behalf of her people. I am equally proud to have stood shoulder to shoulder with America in the greatest country on Earth.

 

8) I will help write the next chapter of our nation’s history. America needs its veterans in a time of great social and political divisiveness, economic crisis, poor national leadership, and simmering anger, perhaps now more than ever before. As the veterans of the Revolution emerged to lead the nation, modern veterans must put their leadership, team spirit, ingenuity, selfless service, and willingness to take risks to work for this nation. I will make assimilation and reintegration a priority; I will NOT sit quietly in the shadows and complain about my country's condition and not do anything about it. I will lead by example.

 

9) I will take care of myself both physically and mentally.

I will improve my physical and mental health to help me lose a few of those unwanted pounds and gain some energy that has disappeared. This task is difficult with my busy schedule, but if I allocate 30 minutes a day at first, then keep increasing this time accordingly, my health will improve, and visible results should be seen. Better health makes a happier veteran.

 

10) I will take care of myself financially.

I will improve my financial fitness by paying bills off and improving my credit score throughout the year. I will also strengthen my savings account to ensure I have a goal of three-times my monthly income saved for emergencies. Better finances make fewer worries.

 

These are just a few resolutions that by no means are set for everyone to follow. You may have your own you want to follow or may wish to add to these. The overall goal is to improve your life in the upcoming year to prosper both physically and mentally. Happy New Year, everyone. Let’s do our part to make this year better than any other year.

Veteran Doctor - Episode 4 - How to Deal with PTSD During the Holidays

Good Morning Veterans, Family, Friends, and Everyone else who wants to listen in on the Veteran Doctor Podcast's FOURTH EPISODE. On this week's podcast, we will discuss how to deal with PTSD during the holidays.

Coping with PTSD can genuinely be difficult during the holidays. Many people sometimes feel the burdens of stress during this time of year. Typical holiday stress can cause you to experience PTSD-related symptoms such as overstimulation, depression, or anxiety. You can still learn coping strategies that can help you enjoy the holidays. Manage your PTSD carefully during the holiday season by planning ahead, finding creative and healthy ways to deal with stress, and choosing thoughtful visits with family and friends.

Planning Ahead

Have Realistic Expectations. Popular culture romanticizes that the holidays are a time when the world is perfect and everything right, but for many, the reality is very different.  November and December can be an emotional and financially stressful time, especially if you are dealing with PTSD. Accept the fact that the holidays may never feel the same as it did before your trauma occurred, and do not expect that the holidays will make your stress, sadness, and negative memories go away.

• Ensure that you consider the triggers that may set off your physiological, mental, and behavioral reactions. These triggers might include being around certain people, crowded stores, lights, or other aspects of the holidays.

Talk To The People Who Are Close To You. Let your family and friends know why the holidays are difficult for you and what they can do to help you out. If any aspects of the holiday season may upset you, give them advance notice. Being honest can help your loved ones understand and know how to support you.

• Many people do not understand PTSD. If you do not explain how you are feeling to them, they may take it personally if you are not happy or do not want to celebrate.
• Talk to the people you trust. If a friend or a family member has a history of being unsupportive, consider why. Perhaps they simply do not understand PTSD. This can be potentially resolved by having a supportive family member or friend discuss the effects of PTSD on individuals during the holidays.

Think About Your Limits. You know yourself and your needs the best. Before the holidays, give some thought to what you can and cannot handle. Do not feel obligated to participate in any celebrations or rituals that will stress you out or bring back painful memories.

• It is not your responsibility to make other people happy at the cost of your mental health.

Communicate Your Boundaries to Others. Decide which events and traditions you can participate in during the holidays and which ones you would rather avoid. Consider factors like the event's duration, who will be there, and what you will be expected to do. Ensure that your family and friends know to eliminate any last-minute surprises.

• If you are uncomfortable telling someone why you will not be at a gathering, it is OK just to say you cannot make it.

Finding Coping Strategies

Know Your Triggers. Triggers are circumstances that aggravate PTSD symptoms, and they are usually different for everyone due to their individual experience and perception of their trauma. Anything can be a trigger, including people, dates, locations, sounds, and even smells. Being aware of your individual triggers will help you avoid them until you can develop coping strategies.

• If you are not sure of what your triggers are, keep track of the places, events, and patterns that make your PTSD symptoms worse. Log any notes in a journal to help you remember what to avoid or anticipate.

Use Grounding Techniques. Grounding is the practice of using focus and the physical world that surrounds you. It helps calm you down and prevent flashbacks in situations of stress. Showering, exercising, and holding a comforting object are several ways you can ground yourself.

• While at home, practice using grounding techniques when you feel anxious. Try splashing some water on your face, count to 20 slowly while taking deep breaths, or name the different smells, colors, or shapes you see in the environments around you. All of these techniques help you focus on your physical surroundings.
• You will quickly discover which ones work best for you at home or away in public.

Find Ways To Relax. Feeling physically or mentally stressed makes it challenging to cope with stressful stimuli. Let go of your stress by exercising relaxation techniques. Deep breathing, meditation, and muscle relaxation are techniques that can help you let go of your physical tension. To help relieve mental stress, try writing in a journal or meditating.

• Relaxation is very subjective to the individual who is experiencing it. Many feel it may translate to taking a lighting a scented candle, watching a fire, a 20-minute nap, or taking a relaxing bath. Choose a few different activities that you can do at home and on-the-go that can help you stay calm and relaxed.
• Relaxation techniques combat stress the best when they are used routinely. It is also helpful to create a stress-relief toolkit to take with you when visiting family, on vacation, or to employ the night before a big event at work.
• Meditation is a great way to help with relaxation, and it can even help your body release beneficial chemicals, such as oxytocin, endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. The same chemicals that promote a sense of happiness and well-being. So, you may want to consider making meditation a part of your daily routine during the holidays too.

Volunteer Your Time. It is very therapeutic for many people with PTSD to spend part of their holiday helping other people who are having difficulties. Consider contributing your time at a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or shelter for abused women.

• If you feel lonely or have lost your holiday spirit, you may find that volunteering may be incredibly beneficial.

Interacting with Friends and Family

Spend Time with People Who Support and Love You. When you are dealing with PTSD, social support can make a huge difference in how well your holidays end up. Seek out family and friends who try to understand your condition and care about you. Arrange your holiday schedule to minimize the amount of time you spend around unsupportive and stressful people.

Create New Rituals. If traditional holiday celebrations are painful or difficult, you can still find different ways to make the holidays meaningful. Develop a new tradition that let you honor the season without causing situations that trigger your past trauma. This will help you heal and come to appreciate the holidays all over again.

• New traditions could include volunteer work, new food, quiet one-on-one visits with friends and family, or rituals designed to give you closure from your trauma.

Bring A Grounding Activity to Family Gatherings. Family holiday parties can be noisy, crowded, and chaotic. To avoid becoming overwhelmed, bring something small to keep you active to help keep you centered and in the present moment.

• Try bringing a Rubik’s cube, a knitting project, a game, or a jigsaw puzzle.

Avoid Drinking Too Much Alcohol. When you are drunk, you might be in the state of mind to use the proper coping strategies in stressful situations. PTSD also puts you at an increased risk for alcohol addiction. Drink reasonably, or even better, avoid alcohol altogether.

• Additionally, alcohol interferes with SSRI medications, which are commonly prescribed for PTSD.

Take Breaks Often or Leave Early. If you start to feel anxious, do not hesitate to take a quick break. Find a quiet place where you can read, meditate, or breathe deeply for a few minutes. If you are still finding it difficult to relax, leaving early may be the best way to keep yourself from getting too anxious.

• If you are at a family gathering with your spouse, consider taking two cars so you can leave early, just in case if needed.

Veteran Doctor - Episode 3 - Helping Veterans Cope with PTSD During the Holidays & Helping Ideas

Good Morning Veterans, Family, Friends, and Everyone else who wants to listen in on the THIRD EPISODE of the Veteran Doctor Podcast. My name is John and I will be your Host. On this week’s Podcast, we will be discussing the helping veterans cope with PTSD during the holidays & helping idea.

The winter holiday season is regarded by many as a wonderful time of the year. Consequently, for many veterans, this time of the year is often filled with non-celebratory memories from past experiences. Add PTSD to the mix – 11-20% of Veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF) have PTSD in a given year – this making the “season to be jolly” downright challenging. The holidays can be a painful reminder of past times when life seemed better. Large groups of family and friends are often part of the holiday festivities, but this and other things may be stressful for someone with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Groups of people and friends may tire a person out or make him, or her feel overwhelmed. People may feel pressure to join family activities when they’re not up for it or believe they must act happy when they’re not. People with PTSD may already find it challenging to get enough sleep or relax, and these added pressures can worsen those symptoms.

Veterans with PTSD may be susceptible to losses around the holiday. Veterans and military families, in particular, tend to remember at the holidays those who did not make it home from war. They may not know how to celebrate the holidays, knowing those fallen heroes are no longer present. There may also be recent losses: the death of a loved one, an emotional divorce, or separation from one’s children. All of these circumstances may cause someone to feel melancholy about memories of holidays past.

Family and friends might ask the Veteran questions about his or her life or about PTSD. The person with PTSD may not feel comfortable answering these questions, but they must keep in mind that their family may feel some of the same pressures and may only be asking because they have a genuine concern for their wellbeing.

The holiday gathering may also be one of the few times family or friends can physically see the person with PTSD, and they may feel it is more appropriate they ask such questions in person rather than over the phone or online because they may think that is too impersonal. In either case, the person with PTSD has the power and right not to answer any questions.

Veteran Doctor - Episode 2 - Veterans and Holidays

Good Morning Veterans, Family, Friends, and Everyone else who wants to listen in on the SECOND EPISODE of the Veteran Doctor Podcast.

My name is Dr. John Heintzelman and I am your host and the founder of the Veteran Doctor. So first off some of you are probably wondering why is this podcast called Veteran Doctor? Great Question. So, you are probably wondering, is he really a Doctor? Yes, I actually am! Not in the Medical sense, but I have a Ph.D. So, my academic resume includes a Master’s degree in Sports and Performance Psychology and a Doctorate in Psychology where my specialty lies in Research. I also am a retired Army Airborne Infantry Veteran with 22 years of service. So, Veteran Doctor kind of fits, and as you keep listening you will see how it all works out.                            

On this week’s Podcast, we will be discussing the holidays and veterans. During this time of year, it is always a wonderful time for most people, but for many, it can be a stressful and conflicting time due to past events in their lives. Many veterans have deployed multiple times during the holidays, and currently, many soldiers are deployed during this holiday season. Many experience an array of emotions during this time of year from injuries in combat during the holiday period. So, it is good to try to think of the holidays with whimsical feelings of warmth, comfort, and good cheer to help compensate for the negative experiences of the past. How is this done, you ask? It is not very easy, but there are many ways in doing so. Being with family is a great way to help distract these negative feelings. The holidays offer a unique opportunity for families to connect and spend quality time together having fun, both locally and away from home. Another way is to decorate the house for Christmas both inside and outside to spread the good cheer to other neighbors. This can become infectiously in the neighborhood and fun for everyone if you do it in a creative and constructive manner. Another great way is to volunteer or donate to a veteran’s organization. During this time of year, they have Christmas Tree Wish Lists, Christmas Dinners, Shelters, and other events that need help to provide for veterans and their families who are having either tough times or maybe experiencing stress from deployments overseas.

That brings up another subject of the Soldiers who are currently deployed. Do not forget about them. We were those guys too at one time in the past. We know how it feels to be deployed during the holidays. They need words of encouragement from people who have been there and can relate to what they are going through. Here are some helpful tips in letter writing to deployed service members. This is both therapeutic for them and well as it is for you.

Veteran Doctor - Episode 1 - Introduction

Good Morning Veterans, Family, Friends, and Everyone else who wants to participate in the FIRST EPISODE of the Veteran Doctor Podcast.

My name is Dr. John Heintzelman and I am your host and the founder of this podcast. So first off some of you are probably wondering why is this podcast called Veteran Doctor? Great Question. Yes, I actually am a Doctor! Not in the Medical MD sense, but I have a Ph.D. So, my academic resume includes a Master’s degree in Sports and Performance Psychology and a Doctorate in Psychology where my specialty is in Research. I also am a retired Army Airborne Infantry Veteran with 22 years of service. So, Veteran Doctor kind of fits and you will see later how it becomes very appropriate.

To give you an agenda on today’s podcast, I would like to introduce you to who I am, my history and military background, how I got here, what this podcast is about and its purpose, other veteran projects, this podcast’s norms, and standards, welcoming feedback and ideas for new episodes, future podcast schedule, and the conclusion.