Silent Strength with Invisible Warriors

Key Takeaways Self-compassion and perspective-taking are crucial for managing mental health challenges Breathing techniques (especially extended exhales) can help regulate anxiety and stress Small, gradual steps and support systems are key for overcoming avoidance behaviors Acknowledging issues, seeking help, and celebrating small victories are important for progress Topics Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome Nancy Becher introduces "Silent Strength" podcast, focused on women veterans with PTS/military trauma Podcast aims to share stories, provide expert insights, and create a supportive community Renee Zukin welcomed as guest to share her personal journey and insights Renee's Background and Book Renee wrote "Every Day I'm Brave" about transforming her relationship with fear Book includes journal prompts to help readers process their experiences Renee has multiple diagnoses (anxiety, depression, OCD, panic disorder, agoraphobia) but doesn't let them define her Challenges of Self-Compassion and Perspective Nancy shares personal struggle with depression and self-judgment Renee emphasizes importance of self-compassion and avoiding shame spirals Discussion on reframing negative self-talk and gaining broader perspective on situations Coping Strategies and Techniques Breathing technique: Focus on extended exhales to slow heart rate (inhale for 4, exhale for 5-7 counts) Writing/journaling to gain outside perspective on thoughts and feelings Gradual exposure therapy for facing fears (e.g., small steps for leaving the house) Distraction techniques (e.g., playing phone games during stressful car rides) Importance of Acknowledgment and Support Difficulty in getting women to acknowledge invisible illnesses and seek help Veterans more open to seeking support through Invisible Warriors organization Value of creating safe spaces for women to connect and share experiences Three Key Pieces of Advice Practice self-kindness and allow feelings without judgment Seek support (therapist, friends, podcasts, books) from understanding sources Remember your inherent bravery and resilience Added by Nancy: Celebrate even small steps of progress Next Steps Listeners encouraged to leave reviews/ratings for the podcast on iTunes Follow Invisible Warriors on LinkedIn and YouTube for updates Upcoming wilderness retreat in late September focusing on mental health topics Interested participants should contact Nancy for sign-up information

If you are dealing with trauma and want a way to lessen or rid yourself of the challenges, head over to ebt.org and see what it can do for you.

Trauma is difficult to acknowledge, difficult to handle and hard to eliminate from your life. Amanda Lee, an author and survivor of her own trauma, talks about how she has dealt with it and what she does to make it go away!

Tia shares her experiences as a young woman in the military, highlighting the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault. She recounts her own traumatic experience of being sexually assaulted by a superior and the reprimand she received for reporting it. Tia expresses concern for the wellbeing of female soldiers, noting that many face similar experiences. She also discusses her struggle with PTS and its impact on her life, which eventually leads her to seek help from the VA. Tia emphasizes the need for better support and resources for veterans dealing with trauma and PTS. Tia discusses her journey with mental health services, including being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder and experiencing suicidal thoughts. She expresses frustration with the lack of support from previous healthcare providers. However, after a session with 22Zero, a mental health organization, she experiences a significant improvement. Tia feels exhausted after the session, leading to better sleep and fewer nightmares. Her self-esteem and overall well-being improve, and she becomes an advocate for 22Zero, believing it saved her life.

Lisa discussed the unique challenges faced by women in the military who have experienced trauma. She highlighted the additional layer of trauma due to the betrayal of trust within the military community, as well as the lack of agency and safety. Lisa also pointed out the societal ignorance and disrespect faced by these women outside of the military. Nancy added to this, emphasizing the compounded trauma experienced by women veterans due to both military and societal factors. The conversation concluded with the importance of naming and understanding the various aspects of trauma to better address and support these women. Lisa can be reached at:  [email protected]