The Burden of Bravery: A Soldier's Insight on Mental Health and Seeking Help (feat. Greg VanDyne)

Integrated Man Project

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Integrated Man Project with your host, Travis Goodman. Today, we delve deep into the world of mental health with our special guest, Greg VanDyne, a former Green Beret medic turned mental health advocate and med-tech professional. Greg shares his profound journey of transitioning out of the military, facing the stigma around mental health, and the challenging but transformative path of seeking therapy.

In this episode, Travis and Greg discuss the fear of rejection, the importance of a supportive environment, and the emotional burdens men often carry in silence. They explore the idea of normalizing conversations about mental health from a young age, the impact of social media, and the benefits of teaching emotional intelligence. Greg also shares his experiences with different therapy modalities like EMDR and his pursuit of TMS treatment.

HIGHLIGHTS:

1. The Struggle of Opening Up: Greg shares his personal journey from recognizing the need for help to overcoming the fear of rejection and worthlessness that initially prevented him from seeking therapy. He discusses the impact of societal pressure on men to suppress vulnerable emotions and how it affects mental health.
2. Significance of a Supportive Environment: Both Greg and I delve into the importance of having a supportive environment, whether in therapy or personal life, and how it significantly impacts mental health and the healing process. We draw parallels between the supportive nature of a military team and the need for such support when tackling personal struggles.
3. Finding the Right Therapist: We entertain the idea of a "speed dating app for therapists" to make it easier for individuals to find the right fit for their therapeutic needs. Greg's candid recounting of his initial disappointments and eventual success in finding a therapist who could understand and help him highlights the importance of persistence in the therapeutic journey.

Challenge Question:
How can we as a society break down the stigma surrounding men seeking help for their mental health, and what steps can we take to normalize these conversations from a young age?
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