A veteran once asked me, "So, you think you know me?" After 10 seconds, I realized I was full of misconceptions, 'bad intel", and unrealistic expectations. I took the time to listen and better understand and it opened up my eyes to the often insurmountable challenges returning veterans face. I learned that when a military person serves, the whole family serves and is full of emotions. It seems each war has its own inhumanity, psychological turmoil, survivor guilt, fear of failure, and major adjustments for its service men and women. While Vietnam veterans probably had it the worst, each generation of military face enemies that can't see, they can't define them because of no official uniforms, or they use children to carry bombs to kill Americans.
The suicide rate for Iraq/Afghanistan veterans is the highest of any American military war or conflict. Why?
Didn't the Commander's debrief with the troops prepare them for returning home? "What debrief?" a soldier once said back to me. This podcast's guest is Army Reserve Veteran, Chris Kreiger, Founder, President/CEO of WNY Heroes, Inc. (501 c 3 Not-for-Profit Since 2008). Chris did four tours in Iraq and was seriously injured four times. As a medic, he pushed to get back in the battle and take care of the wounded, but when he came home, how was he treated? Please listen to this podcast and share it with someone who could benefit. Also, Chris will talk about, "Pawsitive for Heroes" - a military service dog program for qualified veterans (only). This has grown to become a nationally requested need of many veterans around the United States. They have matched more than 200+ veterans to military service dogs. They need more support. Each graduating dog costs between $7,500-$10,000 to fully train. Maybe you love animals or you have a veteran in your family or community who could benefit from a service dog. Here's how to apply: Call- (716) 630-5020 or www.WNYHeroes.org. Tell them you heard about it on MindSet with Tom McNulty, M.S.
Support Our Troops by Supporting WNY Heroes!!
Tom McNulty, M.S.
P.S. "Not Broken" is a hit by Goo Goo Dolls about returning veterans. Thanks, guys!

Your Children Need Behavioral Health

Children are increasingly at risk when it comes to their behavioral health. They need informed parents and trained teachers and administrators to recognize their emotional ups and downs. Children from birth to 17 (and into early adulthood) are more vulnerable today because of multiple factors that can engulf them:
1.) Increased thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
2.) Vaping, drinking, hazing, drug use, and poor nutrition.
3.) Domestic violence, separation/divorce, parents with multiple partners.
4.) School shootings and the perception that it could happen to them.
5.) Television news, social media, web (and 'Dark Web'), and cyberbullying.
6.) Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs): School bullying, body shaming, hostile teachers, racism, gender, and ethnic discrimination.
7.) Poverty, dangerous neighborhoods, fear of police, and shootings.
8.) Lack of positive parental interactions: shouting vs. affection; swearing vs. teaching coping skills; cellphones vs. face-to-face conversations, selfish parents vs. family time, and using video games/TV/l Pads as 'babysitting' conveniences.
9.) Parents who don't participate in their children's schools.
10.) Teachers who don't practice behavioral health basics when interacting with students.
Is that enough? Because many more issues are stressing our children that parents and teachers may not comprehend. This podcast will help you better understand the behavioral health stressors children and teens face and what to do about it NOW!
Please share this important podcast with parents, grandparents, teachers, and friends.
Thank you for caring,
Tom McNulty, M.S.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression defined by a reoccurring seasonal pattern highlighted by mood changes, irritability, helplessness, pessimism, persistent sadness, decreased energy, hypersomnia, overeating, seasonal hibernation, aggressive behavior, reduced work or school performance, and family history. Millions of Americans (more women than men and more younger people than older adults) experience SAD.
While many people believe it is a "winter-only" condition, it can surface in late spring into summer and late fall into and through the winter. Summer SAD is often related to the heat and humidity in scorching areas for months at a time. The heat can feel unavoidable for those prone to summer SAD.
This podcast addresses SAD with the most current clinical information on definition, signs and symptoms, geography, family history, diagnostics, causes, and treatment. Listeners will also learn about light therapy, antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, Vitamin D, substance abuse risks, and the plausibility of preventing SAD.

Resources: National Institute of Mental Health, DENT Neurologic Institute, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health America, and your local county Department of Behavioral Health.

• Please share this podcast with family, friends, co-workers, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.

Thank you,
Tom McNulty, M.S.
Host, MindSet with Tom McNulty, M.S.