A Military Veteran's Journey Through PTSD and Mental Health Stigma

In this compelling episode of Walking in Grace with Matthew and Whitney, our hosts converse with Ruben, a brave Navy veteran and the man behind "Spiderman for a Cause." Through their shared history, they delve into their trials and tribulations within and beyond the Navy, highlighting the common struggles they have faced. In particular, Ruben candidly opens up about his battle with PTSD, depression, and the mental health stigma rampant within the military community.

Ruben provides a unique perspective on tackling mental health problems derived from the high-stress and often dangerous circumstances of military service. Talking about his struggle to recognize and manage his mental health issues, Ruben underscores the need for mental health spaces that treat patients as humans, not just numbers. He gives us a peek into his heartbreaking journey when his daughter was diagnosed with cancer, his descent into alcoholism, and his eventual recognition of mental health assistance.

The conversation takes a hopeful turn as Ruben shares his transformative experience with finding the right counselor. He encourages others coping with similar issues not to hesitate in seeking help. From his personal experiences, he advocates for a more empathetic and personalized approach towards mental health care, specifically for military personnel.

Ruben also emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and wise time management. For those coping with mental disorders, this often means seeking a new counselor or exploring alternative forms of assistance. In a candid discussion about PTSD, he underlines the importance of acceptance in dealing with it, which he believes has made him a better person overall.

Touching on faith and its significant role in navigating mental health struggles, Ruben shares how his faith gave him the strength to stay resilient during challenging times. The episode concludes with an inspirational message about the invaluable role of inner peace and a reminder that no one is alone in their mental health struggles.