Coping Strategies

When service members leave the military and become veterans, they often times have difficulties. When they don’t know where to turn to identify the coping strategies that work best for them it can be a hopeless feeling. Some of these issues include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), homelessness, addiction, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and a variety of others.

These episodes of Drive On Podcast cover coping strategies for veterans. They aren’t your traditional “talk therapy” that many people think of.

If you, or someone you know, needs immediate assistance, please check out the resources for veterans page. There, we have a wide variety of options on an easy-to-navigate page.

PTSDog Service Dogs For Vets With PTSD

Guest: Joaquin Juatai

Joaquin Juatai is a disabled veteran and an author of the book PTSDog: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Service Dog. He also hosts The Service Dog Show with PTSDog, which is broadcast on WDVR. He educates, supports, and advocates for other veterans who have chosen to use a service dog as part of their own recovery, which has effectively turned his disability into a mission.

Listen Here

Overcoming Mental Health Hurdles After Combat

Guest: Dave Pecirep

Dave Pecirep was a combat veteran who struggled with his own mental health after returning home from Afghanistan. He spent some time getting his own mental health in order before eventually returning to college to get his Master’s in psychotherapy.

Listen Here

Being Your Own Advocate And Other Lessons Learned From Depression

Guest: Brooke Siem

Brooke Siem is unlike many of our guests in that she’s not a veteran. However, her story is one that sounds all too familiar to many veterans.

Listen Here

Soldier And Educator On Resiliency

Guest: Chip Rankin

Chip Rankin is an educator and a soldier in the Army National Guard. Chip has found through mentoring others that those who have been more resilient and not been caught up in “mind traps” have been able to work through their struggles easier.

Listen Here

Using The Outdoors as a Healthier Coping Mechanism

Guest: Brad Noone

Brad Noone is an Army veteran who has found healing through the outdoors. Brad has participated in outdoor trips and even volunteered with several veteran organizations to help lead expeditions.

Listen Here

Healing Through Artwork

Guest: Edward Santos

Edward Santos was an infantry soldier who served two tours in Afghanistan. In his second tour he was sent home early for medical issues, which led to a passion for the arts.

Listen Here

Managing Your Iceberg

Guest: Cory Miller

In this episode, Cory Miller, a tech entrepreneur who seemingly had everything going for him explains mental health with the analogy of an iceberg. Cory is not a veteran, but his story has inspired others to seek help for their own mental health issues.

Listen Here

Dealing With Pain

Guest: Scott DeLuzio

Dealing with pain, whether it’s from the loss of a loved one, a physical pain, or something else entirely can take it’s toll on us all. In this episode, we dive into some of the benefits that pain can bring. It isn’t all bad, and when we make it through, we usually end up better…

Listen Here