• Avoidance Strategy ~ Delay, Deceive and Delay Again
    Oct 25 2024

    Mark Russell and Charles Figley explore the military's strategies of delay and deception in addressing psychiatric casualties of war, as detailed in Chapter 8 of their book. Mark highlights the systemic issues that prevent effective mental health care for service members. The discussion sheds light on the historical and ongoing challenges faced by the military in acknowledging and addressing the psychological costs of warfare.

    Defense Casualty Analysis System

    https://dcas.dmdc.osd.mil/dcas/app/home

    For further insights and to join the conversation, reach out to Mark at mrussellphd@gmail.com. Your engagement can help pave the way for a future where military mental health is no longer a silent battlefield.

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    46 mins
  • Flawed Policies and Stigma
    Oct 4 2024

    In this episode, Mark and Charles explore the historical context of psychiatric screenings, the purging of perceived weaknesses, and the staggering rates of psychiatric casualties from the Civil War to modern-day conflicts. The discussion highlights the flawed policies, the stigmatization of mental health, and the hidden PTSD among elite forces. Tune in for a compelling examination of how war impacts the human psyche and the urgent need for better mental health support in the military.

    Table of Contents for Discussion

    For further insights and to join the conversation, reach out to Mark at mrussellphd@gmail.com. Your engagement can help pave the way for a future where military mental health is no longer a silent battlefield.

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    47 mins
  • Purging Weakness & Pension Trauma Debate
    Sep 20 2024

    Mark and Charles talk about Chapter 7 of their book, "Psychiatric Casualties," focusing on the military's strategy of purging weakness to avoid learning from war trauma. They discuss the historical context of trauma pension debates, the ineffectiveness of psychiatric screenings, and the ongoing struggle to recognize PTSD as legitimate suffering. The episode also highlights the military's reluctance to address mental health issues and the consequences of ignoring these critical lessons.

    Table of Contents for Discussion

    For further insights and to join the conversation, reach out to Mark at mrussellphd@gmail.com. Your engagement can help pave the way for a future where military mental health is no longer a silent battlefield.

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    1 hr
  • The Cost of Denial: Adaptive and Maladaptive Denial
    Sep 6 2024

    Today's episode taps into the discussion of the historical context of denial in military mental health, the consequences of this denial, and the ongoing challenges faced by service members. Mark and Charles also touch on their personal anecdotes, the role of denial in both adaptive and maladaptive forms, and the importance of accountability and systemic change.

    Table of Contents for Discussion

    For further insights and to join the conversation, reach out to Mark at mrussellphd@gmail.com. Your engagement can help pave the way for a future where military mental health is no longer a silent battlefield.

    Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

    Download on Apple Play and Google Play

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    Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

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    48 mins
  • The Hidden Costs of War
    Aug 23 2024

    In this episode, Charles Figley, along with Mark Russell and Kathy Regan Figley, discuss the chronic neglect of psychiatric casualties and how the military frequently ignores the full cost of war. The conversation touches on a range of topics, including traumatic memories, fear-related symptoms, and the systemic issues that prevent proper mental health care for service members. The episode also highlights historical and contemporary examples of how denial and ineffective methods have impaired trust and caused considerable harm to military personnel. Join the discussion to gain a deeper understanding of the mental health challenges faced by veterans and the urgent need for systemic change.


    Table of Contents for Discussion


    For further insights and to join the conversation, reach out to Mark at mrussellphd@gmail.com. Your engagement can help pave the way for a future where military mental health is no longer a silent battlefield.

    Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

    Download on Apple Play and Google Play


    Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.


    Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

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    1 hr and 53 mins
  • Weaponizing Stigma Part II
    Aug 2 2024

    In this episode, Kathy Figley joins Mark and Charles in focusing on the stigmatization and systemic barriers that prevent service members from seeking necessary treatment. Kathy, who brings her unique perspective as a wife, first responder, and traumatologist works collectively with Mark and Charles as they explore the dark side strategies used to weaponize stigma, the historical context of these practices, and the contemporary challenges faced by active duty members and veterans. The discussion covers alarming statistics, personal anecdotes, and potential solutions, emphasizing the need for a zero-tolerance policy towards mental health stigma in the military.

    Table of Contents for Discussion

    For further insights and to join the conversation, reach out to Mark at mrussellphd@gmail.com. Your engagement can help pave the way for a future where military mental health is no longer a silent battlefield.

    Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

    Download on Apple Play and Google Play


    Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.


    Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

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    1 hr and 43 mins
  • Weaponizing Stigma
    Jul 19 2024

    In this powerful episode, Mark and Charles talk about weaponizing stigma with special guest Kathy, a seasoned mental health professional and disaster responder. Together, they explore the institutional, public, and self-stigma that surrounds mental health in the military, drawing parallels with first responders and disaster workers. Through personal anecdotes and historical references, they uncover the detrimental effects of weaponized stigma and discuss potential paths forward.


    Table of Contents for Discussion


    For further insights and to join the conversation, reach out to Mark at mrussellphd@gmail.com. Your engagement can help pave the way for a future where military mental health is no longer a silent battlefield.

    Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

    Download on Apple Play and Google Play


    Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.


    Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

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    1 hr and 34 mins
  • Post War Anger and the Veteran Treatment Court System
    Jun 28 2024

    "Less than 1% of our society today decides to join the military, and I think it justifies providing differential treatment towards veterans, particularly combat veterans." ~ Mark Russell

    In today’s episode, Mark Russell and Charles Figley discuss the weaponization of the criminal justice system against Veterans and share personal anecdotes of post-war anger and aggression. The conversation highlights the historical and ongoing failures in addressing mental health issues within the military, the innovative yet underutilized Veterans Treatment Courts, and the need for a more compassionate and therapeutic approach towards Veterans.


    Table of Contents for Discussion


    For further insights and to join the conversation, reach out to Mark at mrussellphd@gmail.com. Your engagement can help pave the way for a future where military mental health is no longer a silent battlefield.

    Tune into our CHW Streaming Radio and the full lineup at cominghomewell.com

    Download on Apple Play and Google Play


    Online-Therapy.com ~ Life Changing Therapy Click here for a 20% discount on your first month.


    Thank you for listening! Be sure to SHARE, LIKE and leave us a REVIEW!

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 22 mins