In todays episode of We Got Your Six we sit down with Dr. Glenda Wrenn Gordon, psychiatrist and mental health advocate, for a powerful conversation about breaking through mental health barriers. From her journey as a West Point graduate to becoming a leading voice in psychiatric care, Dr. Gordon shares raw insights about personal struggles, professional evolution, and the delicate balance between being a healer and needing healing. This episode explores the complexities of trauma, alcoholism, and the courage it takes to ask for help – especially for those who are used to being the helpers. Whether you're a service member, healthcare provider, or someone struggling in silence, this conversation offers hope and practical wisdom for the journey toward mental wellness.

5 Key Takeaways:

1.     High-functioning individuals often hide their struggles behind competence, making it harder for loved ones to recognize when they need help.

2.     Mental health symptoms can be masked by other life circumstances (stress, alcohol use, busy schedules), making it difficult to identify the root causes.

3.     The same qualities that make someone strong and resilient can become barriers to seeking help when needed.

4.     True healing often requires stepping down from the "superhero" role and accepting that being human means having limits and needs.

5.     Supporting someone's mental health journey starts with listening without trying to fix – creating space for vulnerability before offering solutions.

Meaningful Quotes:

In this episode of "We Got Your Six," Phillip Naithram engages in a thoughtful conversation with Melanie Froemke, a licensed clinical social worker and yoga instructor. Melanie, a West Point Class of 1999 alumna, shares her journey from the military to becoming a therapist and play specialist. The discussion delves into the impact of trauma, mental health challenges, and the importance of recognizing and addressing issues within the military community.

TRE Tutorials 

1.   https://youtu.be/eT8042h1Efk?feature=shared 
2.  https://youtu.be/FeUioDuJjFI?feature=shared  

Major Points:

1. Trauma and Military Experience: Melanie discusses the prevalence of trauma in military life, drawing from her own experiences in the Army and highlighting the need for acknowledging and addressing these challenges.
2. Unseen Effects of Trauma: The conversation explores the often unseen and varied effects of trauma, not only on mental health but also manifesting physically in the body, leading to conditions such as autoimmune diseases and pelvic floor issues.
3. Alcohol Use and Mental Health: The episode touches upon the culture of alcohol within the military and how it can serve as a coping mechanism. Melanie emphasizes the need for self-reflection and recognizing changes in behavior as potential signs of mental health struggles.
4. Yoga and Trauma Release Exercises: Melanie introduces Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) – simple yoga poses and movements designed to induce shaking and release tension in the body, providing a practical tool for individuals dealing with trauma.
5. Importance of Self-Reflection: The episode encourages listeners to engage in self-reflection, notice changes in behavior, and extend support to those who might be struggling with mental health challenges.

5 Bullet Point Takeaways:

• Recognizing Signs of Trauma: Understand the signs of trauma, not just in mental health but also through physical manifestations in the body.
• Alcohol and Mental Health: Reflect on the relationship between alcohol use, mental health, and the potential impact on overall well-being.
• TRE for Healing: Explore Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) as a practical and accessible method for releasing tension and trauma from the body.
• Military Culture Shift: Acknowledge the evolving culture within the military, emphasizing the importance of mental health and the need for support systems.
• Self-Care and Reflection: Prioritize self-care, engage in self-reflection, and foster open conversations around mental health within the military community.

"My depression is a gift. It's an amazing gift. I have this brain that can perceive the rate of things, dwell on things, and think of something a thousand more times than a normal person can. Like, that is the gift that I have. And if I feed that brain things to work on, it's like a computer mining Bitcoin or something, you know. Something's gonna pop out of it." - Matt Kuntz

In this episode of the "We Got Your Six" podcast, sponsored by the 99 Legacy Fund and the West Point Class of 1999, host Phillip Naithram chats with guest, Matt Kuntz, on his personal journey of dealing with depression, mental health struggles, and finding hope and purpose. Matt's story underscores the importance of recognizing the irrationality of suicide and how simple practices and connection can help individuals find hope and purpose in their lives. We gain insights into managing mental health struggles and the power of helping others while healing oneself. Matt's journey serves as a testament to resilience, faith, and the capacity to make a positive impact on others.

Key Takeaways:

1. Depression can create overwhelming psychological pain that narrows one's focus and thinking, making it challenging to see a way out.

2. Mental health conditions are not rational, and it's important to recognize that individuals struggling with them often want to live but feel trapped by their pain.

3. Simple practices, such as focusing on the present moment and engaging in physical activities like cold water immersion or exercise, can help break the cycle of negative thoughts and anxiety.

4. Matt emphasizes the role of faith and personal connection with a higher power in his journey toward healing and finding purpose.

5. Giving oneself permission to acknowledge and manage bad days while also recognizing the value and productivity of good days is crucial in navigating mental health challenges.

In this episode of the We Got Your Six podcast,  hosts Phillip Naithram chats with Chris Mayo, a graduate of West Point Class of 1999.  She currently continues her service to the country at the Department of Veterans Affairs, focusing on cybersecurity and privacy for veterans' benefits. She shares her journey from enlisting in the army to attending West Point and her struggles with emotional immaturity and feelings of inadequacy.

Chris shares how she sought to fill the void inside herself by frequently changing jobs and constantly seeking external accomplishments. 

She opens up about a dark moment in her life when, while impaired by alcohol, she shot herself in the chest. After spending time in an inpatient mental facility, Chris remained in denial and emotionally disconnected from her experience. 

However, her life took a positive turn when  Chris began to get honest about her past and take the risk of being vulnerable. By sharing her story, Chris found connection and support, which eventually led her towards healing and personal growth. 

Episode Highlights:

• Emotional immaturity, feelings of inadequacy, external validation.
• Denial, isolations, suicidal ideations.
• Therapy and the power of connection.
• Hearing another persona sharing their story and the permission to ask for help.

Babe Kwasniak is 2020 Ohio Veterans Inductee. Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA). 

Career Highlights : 

• Head Basketball Coach at Villa Angela-St. Joseph (VASJ) High School (state championships in 2013, 2015, 2017). 
• Coached last 4 years at Stephen Curry's Under Armour Select Camp. 

Babe uses his 10-year stint as coach of one of Ohio’s powerhouse prep programs and his military career to constantly better the lives of service members who struggle.  

He is an advocate for veterans tackling challenges such as post-traumatic stress, transition difficulties, and suicidal ideations. Babe was named a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) in 2019, becoming the youngest person ever appointed.