In this episode, we delve into the poignant story of Juan Marquez, an American veteran who grappled with the effects of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) both during and after his military service. The episode sheds light on the challenges he faced, his eventual breakdown upon leaving the military, and the transformative journey he embarked upon to manage and cope with his mental health issues.

Juan recounts his experiences in service and the traumatic events that shaped his struggle with complex PTSD. From the relentless stressors to the loss of comrades to suicide, his candid and vulnerable testimony provides a rare glimpse into the psychological toll being a soldier can take on individuals.

Following his honorable discharge, the transition to civilian life proved difficult, leading to a breakdown that left him feeling isolated and hopeless. Juan shares his insight into the societal barriers and stigma he encountered while attempting to seek support for his mental health.

Juan shares how he eventually found the strength to seek professional help and through counseling, therapy, and the camaraderie of friends, he began to rebuild his life. The episode underscores the importance of awareness and understanding surrounding complex PTSD and its unique challenges. Expert interviews with mental health professionals shed light on the therapeutic techniques employed to help individuals cope with trauma and navigate their path towards healing.

His journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the significance of community support in overcoming the adversities of complex PTSD. Through his story, listeners are encouraged to see that healing is possible and that no one should suffer in silence, especially those who have served their country with dedication and bravery.

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What does it take to not only survive a traumatic experience, but to thrive afterward? Damien Thomlinson is an Australian adaptive sports athlete and Afghanistan war veteran who was born in 1979. He served in the Australian Defense Force as a commando and lost both his legs while on duty in Afghanistan in 2009.

After his injury, Thomlinson turned to sports as a way to rebuild his life and regain his physical and mental strength. He became a member of the Australian Paralympic team and competed in the 2014 Sochi Winter Paralympics as a sit-skier.

Thomlinson is also an accomplished motivational speaker and author. He has written a book titled "Without Warning: One Soldier's Extraordinary Journey" about his experiences in the army and his recovery from his injuries. In his speeches, he shares his story of overcoming adversity and encourages others to never give up on their dreams, no matter the challenge.

Thomlinson is an inspiration to many people around the world, both for his bravery in the face of adversity and his achievements as an adaptive sports athlete. He continues to push himself to new heights and is a shining example of the power of the human spirit.

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Get in touch at mastersoftrauma@gmail.com