In today's compelling episode, the dynamic duo Brad and Eric team up with esteemed guest, John Haberkamp, to delve into an issue near to our hearts: hypervigilance in veterans. They'll navigate through the rough waters of recognizing, coping, and responding to hypervigilance, a stark reality for many who've served. Listen in as our hosts and guest explore the critical transition from military life to civilian streets, and the unexpected vigilance that tags along. They also unpack the importance of having a caring circle, slowing down the brain, and decoding the color codes of awareness. Plus, get ready for riveting personal tales, from startling boot camp memories to the subtle tensions in a grocery store aisle.

A warm salute to our episode partners, Guardian Concepts and Trio for their unwavering support.

Contact Guardian Concepts:

815-933-1700

www.guardian-concepts.com

Contact TRIO:

708-235-3352

www.govst.edu/trioeoc

The I'm F.I.N.E. Podcast is a division of Project Headspace and Timing. Learn more at projectheadspaceandtiming.org

In this episode of the I’m F.I.N.E. podcast, hosts Eric Peterson and Brad Stosiek delve into the topic of isolation and loneliness. Discover why we evolved to feel loneliness, how it impacts our mental and physical health, and how our upbringing can influence our feelings of loneliness in adulthood. The hosts candidly share their personal experiences and offer tips on navigating these often overwhelming emotions. Don't miss their engaging, humorous, and empathetic take on this universal human experience.

And don't forget, a hearty hooah goes out to our allies at Trio for their support! Visit: www.govst.edu/trioeoc

In today's debrief, Brad and Eric courageously navigate the no man's land of social encounters in "I'm F.I.N.E. with Being Socially Awkward." Our hosts don their most genuine personas to share the comedic yet relatable tales of their struggles with social awkwardness, from Eric's familial faux pas at a restaurant to Brad's bloody nose in the pursuit of childhood romance. The guys unpack the heavy rucksack of social anxieties, touching on how their military training both sharpened and skewed their social caliber, leaving them sometimes out of sync with civilian life's subtler rhythms.

In a heartfelt camaraderie, Brad and Eric offer their own frontline strategies to improve social fortifications, including the surprising solace found in supportive peer groups, therapy, and the therapy of laughter in recognizing one's own idiosyncrasies. They march through the dense thicket of social stigmatization, aiming to plant the flag of acceptance in the heart of our collective awkward universe.

And don't forget, a hearty hooah goes out to our allies at Trio for their support!

www.govst.edu/trioeoc

Join us, won't you? Reload your coping mechanisms and let's lock 'n load for another round of I'm F.I.N.E., where it's okay to be a soldier in the army of the socially unorthodox!

Welcome to all of our F.I.N.E. Family and thank you for tuning into another episode of the 172nd most listened to mental health podcast in Cambodia!

On today's episode the boys talk about one of the most important aspects of a veteran's transition into the civilian world: finding a purpose. Brad and Eric are joined by P.H.a.T. Family Member and Army Veteran Jared Walters to talk about what purpose means to a veteran, and the skills veterans have learned through their time in service and how they can apply to the civilian world. The boys also cover why finding your purpose can be so difficult, and give a ton of examples of ways you can explore what that post-service purpose is.

And THANK YOU to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3352 or visit them at:

www.govst.edu/trioeoc

In this episode of Mental Health Mondays with Melanie McCummiskey, listeners are invited to delve into the crucial topic of establishing healthy boundaries in various aspects of life.

Throughout the episode, McCummiskey navigates the intricate terrain of boundaries, elucidating their significance in relationships spanning from romantic partnerships to interactions with coworkers and family members. With clarity and compassion, she explains that boundaries serve as the necessary framework for maintaining balance between intimacy and self-preservation.

Drawing from her expertise, McCummiskey emphasizes the empowering nature of the word "no" in setting boundaries and advocates for cultivating self-awareness to discern personal comfort levels. Through relatable examples and practical advice, she guides viewers on recognizing signs of overwhelm and the importance of asserting boundaries accordingly.

Moreover, McCummiskey sheds light on the modern challenges of boundary-setting in a technology-driven world, offering insights into managing phone usage and prioritizing rest for optimal mental health. She encourages viewers to honor their own needs by setting limits on commitments and advocating for respectful treatment in interpersonal dynamics.

As the episode draws to a close, McCummiskey leaves listeners with a heartfelt reminder of the immediate relief that comes with establishing boundaries. With warmth and encouragement, she invites viewers to embark on their boundary-setting journey, assuring them of the transformative impact it can have on their lives.

Hey there F.I.N.E. Family and welcome to another episode of the 172nd most listened to mental health podcast in Cambodia! 

On today's episode we talk about something that many veterans miss after leaving service: camaraderie. We explain what it is and why it is so important in military culture, why it tends to be lacking in the civilian world, the scientific benefits and impact camaraderie has on the body and mind, how veterans can stay connected to their peers after they leave service, and a lot more! We also share some resources on some of the organizations that have helped us regain that sense of belonginging.

And THANK YOU to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3352 or visit them at:

www.govst.edu/trioeoc

Welcome back FINE Family! After a brief hiatus the boys are back with a new episode about how the weather impacts our Mental Health. 

Eric and Brad talk about the personal and scientific perspectives on the connection between weather and our mood, how weather can impact veteran mental health specifically, the impact that being outside has on your mental health, and how you can get yourself in a better mood when the weather gets you down. 

And THANK YOU to our partner on this episode, TRIO! Find out more by calling them at 708-235-3352 or visit them at:

www.govst.edu/trioeoc

In this episode of Mental Health Mondays, host Melanie McCummiskey delves into the profound and complex topic of grief. As she opens the discussion, Melanie defines grief as the process of accepting and navigating through the array of emotions that accompany loss, whether it's the loss of a loved one, a job, or an opportunity.

Throughout the episode, Melanie explores the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—providing insights into what each stage entails. She emphasizes the normalcy of feeling anger during the grieving process and discusses the phase of bargaining, where individuals may find themselves making deals with a higher power in an attempt to bring back what has been lost.

Melanie skillfully guides us through the stages of depression, highlighting the deep sadness that often accompanies the realization of loss. Finally, she touches on the ultimate stage of grief: acceptance. Here, individuals reach a point of equilibrium, having traversed the emotional rollercoaster and fully embraced the reality of the changed circumstances.

In the latter part of the episode, Melanie offers practical advice on managing grief, tailoring her recommendations based on age. For children aged 12 and under, she recommends two insightful books— "When Someone Dies" by Andrea Dawn and "The Memory Book," a grief journal for parents and kids. For adults navigating grief, Melanie suggests two highly recommended books: "Finding Peace When Your Heart Is in Pieces" by Paul Coleman and "The Long Grief Journey" by Pam Blair.