1. EachPod

Beyond the Battlefield: PTSD Affects Us All | Ep 267

Author
Founder of Voices for Voices®, Justin Alan Hayes
Published
Mon 30 Jun 2025
Episode Link
None

Beyond the Battlefield: PTSD Affects Us All | Ep 267

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We explore how PTSD affects people well beyond military service and why July 4th fireworks can be particularly challenging for trauma survivors. Justin shares his personal experiences with trauma triggers and mental health journey.

• Post-traumatic stress disorder doesn't only affect military personnel – trauma is trauma regardless of its source
• Fireworks during Independence Day celebrations can trigger traumatic memories through their loud, explosive sounds
• Justin recalls how missile interception sounds during his Ukraine visit became a source of trauma
• The importance of seeking professional help without shame or worry about others' judgments
• Breaking down the stigma of psychiatric care – going to therapy should be as normal as getting an oil change
• How building a support team of therapists, psychiatrists, and coping mechanisms creates resilience
• Justin's personal journey of seeking help, including his voluntary psychiatric admission in 2017
• Resources like the 988 crisis line are available for anyone struggling with mental health challenges

If you're experiencing trauma responses or need support, don't hesitate to reach out. You can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to chat with someone who can help. Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Chapter Markers

0:00 Welcome to Episode 267

1:26 Understanding PTSD

4:54 History of Independence Day

9:42 Fireworks and Trauma Connection

14:42 Personal PTSD Experience in Ukraine

19:36 Seeking Help Without Shame

27:47 My Psychiatric Ward Journey

44:10 Final Thoughts and Independence Day Wishes

#PTSDawareness #MentalHealthMatters #BeyondTheBattlefield #TraumaSurvivor #VeteransSupport #HealingJourney #EmotionalWellbeing #MindfulnessInRecovery #CopingWithPTSD #SupportOurTroops #MentalHealthAdvocacy #ResilienceBuilding #PsychologicalFirstAid #CommunityHealing #AwarenessAndAction #TikTok #Instagram #VoicesforVoices #VoicesforVoicesPodcast #JustinAlanHayes #JustinHayes #help3billion

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