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:  lisa@kodenllc.com

Silent Strength, women vets and Invisible Warriors VIEW RECORDING - 22 mins (No highlights) Introduction to Invisible Warriors @ 0:09 Nancy Becher introduces Invisible Warriors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women veterans dealing with PTSD, military trauma, and invisible illnesses. The organization aims to provide specialized resources and build a supportive community for these often overlooked heroes. Challenges Faced by Women Veterans @ 3:11 Women make up 17% of the U.S. military's active duty force, but face distinct challenges upon returning to civilian life. They struggle with reintegration, have higher rates of homelessness compared to male veterans, and often feel invisible or overlooked in predominantly male-oriented veteran spaces. Focus Areas: PTSD, Military Trauma, Invisible Illnesses @ 4:07 Invisible Warriors focuses on three key issues affecting women veterans: PTSD, military trauma, and invisible illnesses. These conditions can have devastating long-term impacts, but are often misunderstood or go unrecognized. Holistic Support Programs @ 10:23 Invisible Warriors takes a comprehensive approach to supporting women veterans, offering individual and group therapy, workshops on coping skills and reintegration, career counseling, and a range of holistic services including nutrition, fitness, and creative therapies. The organization also fosters a strong peer support network. Invisible Warriors Club: A Safe, Secure Online Community @ 11:43 Invisible Warriors has created the Invisible Warriors Club, a private, encrypted online platform where women can connect with others facing similar challenges without fear of their posts being taken down or their privacy violated. Upcoming Retreat and Funding Needs @ 17:45 Invisible Warriors is planning a 5-day outdoor retreat for women veterans, providing counseling, activities, and a supportive environment at no cost to participants. The organization is seeking sponsors and donors to fund this and other programs. Broader Impact and Call to Action @ 18:56 Invisible Warriors' work has the potential to transform lives and influence how veteran care is approached on a broader scale. The organization is advocating for systemic changes to better support women veterans, and invites volunteers and donors to join their important mission.

Managing chronic pain is overwhelming for those living with and providing treatment for chronic pain. The demand of patients’ complex needs cause provider burnout, while chronic pain sufferers describe their experience as an “invisible disability”. I crushed three vertebrae after a fall from a balcony leading to excruciating pain in my neck, back, and entire body. I know first-hand how chronic pain leads to significant depression and other adverse consequences. For 10 years I was significantly dependent on opioids and sedatives. Then I learned to manage my pain more effectively. My recovery began at the Mayo Pain Rehabilitation Clinic. I learned about pain science: by changing our behavior around pain it reinforces that we are not in danger of pain causing us further harm, and it builds confidence in breaking the cycle of pain. Moving Through Chronic Pain uses proven skill-building practices to encourage self-efficacy managing life with chronic pain. We facilitate deeper connections between those living with chronic pain and their community of providers, employers, and family members. We offer a safe environment of learning and sharing to enhance people and providers lives. We will be talking about all things chronic pain. Lots of great information.

Pain is a very large part of chronic illness but it is not a hopeless situation. Melissa has devoted her life to studying and dealing with issues regarding chronic pain. This episode delves deeply into what it is and how to deal with it.

Deb Krier talks about her initiative tryingnottodie.live which primarily works with people dealing with cancer and medical personnel treating them. She emphasizes the need to take charge of one's own care and advocates for treating patients as individuals rather than just their conditions. Being diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer that is triple positive in 2015, and how it is affecting her life she talks about the ongoing challenges she faces due to ongoing treatments, bone pain, osteoporosis, and kidney issues. She also mentions the need to pay attention to her body and rest when necessary. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of being one's own advocate and having someone accompany you during medical visits to act as a second set of eyes and ears. Deb Krier: https://debkrier.com/ Invisible Warriors: https://invisiblewarriors.org    

Managing Chronic Pain: Tools and Techniques for Everyday Life In this episode we dive deep on practical strategies for managing chronic pain so you can function and find some relief during flare ups. Our guest expert shares what’s worked for her after years living with widespread nerve pain from fibromyalgia. Key Tips Covered: - Creating an adaptable self-care routine to promote rest, mindfulness, gentle movement and stress relief  - Using pacing to balance activity and avoid crash and burn  - Ergonomic aids and devices to make daily tasks more manageable  - Open communication with loved ones on capacity, triggers, and saboteurs   - Developing a support squad for bad pain days or lifesaving perspective   - Owning your limitations unapologetically while focusing energy toward what’s achievable   - Letting go of perfectionism, guilt, and societal pressures that exacerbate symptoms - Nourishing emotional health through community support groups tailored to chronic pain - Researching emerging integrated treatment plans and cutting edge clinical trials Join us for an honest conversation on the creativity and resilience it takes to not just survive but actively cope with the daily unpredictability of chronic neuropathic and inflammatory pain. You’ll leave empowered with science-backed strategies for expanding good days and gaining back quality of life!

Lori Seitz founded a business called Zen Rabbit, which initially involved making and marketing a product called 'The Gratitude Cookie'.  Being grateful can improve one's outlook on life and highlight different ways to cultivate gratitude in their daily routines. Practicing gratitude should come naturally and not be turned into another chore on the to-do list. Lori challenges us to read Chapter Seven of the book "The Science of Getting Rich" for 30 days, once in the morning and once at night. The chapter focuses on gratitude and is around four pages long. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorisaitz/ ZenRabbit.com lori@zenrabbit.com

I had a stroke nine years ago, which divided their life into pre and post-stroke. They used to work in marketing but can no longer do so due to the stroke. They now prioritize their family, friends, and community, considering everything else as a bonus. They find it strange how their perspective on life changed. Aphasia is a condition where a person is unable to communicate effectively through speaking, writing, reading, or understanding. This can be a scary and frustrating experience.  Marcia's book, "Stroke Forward, How to Become Your Own Healthcare Advocate One Step at a Time," can be found on Amazon. She emphasizes the importance of looking ahead and not dwelling on the past.  Listeners can visit her website http://strokeforward.com, where they can book appointments or email their questions. 

Glenn Williams shares that he has two invisible disabilities, one of them being type 1 diabetes which he has dealt with since he was 15 years old. The speakers discuss their experiences with restaurants improperly handling the presence of service dogs, giving specific examples of illegal acts committed by restaurants. Mr. Williams recalls an unpleasant experience where he was yelled at by someone for having a service dog with him in a store, demonstrating the challenges faced by those with invisible disabilities. Contact: glen@gdubauthor.com

Living with an invisible disability is a highly individualized experience, shaped by the nature and severity of the specific condition. These disabilities encompass a wide range of health issues, from chronic pain and mental health disorders to autoimmune diseases and neurological conditions. What sets them apart is their hidden nature, making it challenging for others to grasp the daily struggles and limitations faced by those affected. Often, individuals with invisible disabilities cope with fluctuating symptoms, which can disrupt their routines and require flexible accommodations. They frequently encounter skepticism, misunderstanding, and even stigma from society, adding emotional strain to their already complex journey. Self-advocacy becomes a crucial skill, as they navigate the need for accommodations, educate others about their condition, and strive to strike a balance between managing their health and pursuing their goals. Invisible disabilities can take a toll on a person's mental and emotional well-being, contributing to feelings of isolation and frustration. Despite these challenges, many individuals with invisible disabilities demonstrate remarkable resilience and determination, finding ways to adapt, seek treatment, and build supportive networks. The support and understanding of friends, family, employers, and healthcare providers play a vital role in helping them live fulfilling lives. Ultimately, recognizing and acknowledging the unique struggles and triumphs of those with invisible disabilities is essential to fostering empathy, inclusion, and a more supportive society. If you'd like more information or to get involved in helping advocate for these women, head on over to https://invisiblewarriors.org.

It can take 5-7 years to get a correct diagnosis for a chronic illness. Many people with chronic illnesses are misdiagnosed with psychological conditions and are prescribed antidepressant medications. A large scale awareness is required about chronic illnesses and their handling. Many are grappling with understanding their illness and are not sure how to handle their diagnosis and treatment plans. Further Advocacy is needed for doctors to better understand and diagnose such issues.   Susan Salenger: Sidelined: HOw Women Manage and Mismanage Their Health,   amzn.to/3P7jW2r https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-salenger/  

Shownotes:  Discussion on how health professionals' lack of awareness towards invisible disabilities impacts patients' mental health. Benjamin speaks on the need for training in emotional well-being for doctors and explores the idea that overtraining in clinical aspects causes neglect of the human elements of healthcare. The speaker describes how individuals can start taking control of their inner experience by understanding and managing their thoughts, allowing themselves to experience emotions without being consumed by them, and attuning themselves to their body's responding sensations. BSherer@TheRIghtSon.com https://benjysherercoaching.com/