In the latest episode of our Bullets 2 Bedpans, Dee Tox is joined in conversation with Dr. Mark Russell and Dr. Charles Figley, who bring a wealth of knowledge, personal experience, and a deep passion for advocating for the well-being of our Veterans.
Dr. Mark Russell, a Veteran himself and a clinical psychologist, shares his journey from the Marine Corps to becoming a leading voice in military mental health care. His story is one of bravery, not just on the battlefield, but in the face of bureaucracy and indifference. Dr. Charles Figley, also a Marine Corps Veteran and a professor at Tulane, discusses his experiences in Vietnam and how they shaped his life’s work in understanding and treating traumatic stress.
The episode is more than just an exploration of the challenges Veterans face; it’s a a reminder that saying “thank you for your service” isn’t enough—we must back it up with meaningful support and care. The conversation touches on generational trauma, the dark side of military mental health care, and the strategies that have historically been used to ignore the psychiatric lessons of war.
Our guests also discuss their collaborative work on the book “Psychiatric Casualties,” which is a testament to their commitment to bringing about change. They provide a detailed chronology of the history of mental health care in the military and focus on solutions, offering evidence of the generational cycle of neglect and crisis.
This episode is not just for those in the military community. It’s for anyone who believes in the power of healing and the importance of addressing mental health with the seriousness it deserves. By listening to Dr. Russell and Dr. Figley, we’re given a chance to understand the real impact of war on the human psyche and the strength it takes to advocate for those who have served.
So, if you’re ready to be enlightened, inspired, and moved to action, listen to this episode. It’s a conversation that could change the way you see our Veterans and the invisible battles they continue to fight long after they’ve left the battlefield.
