413: Reach Out. Stay Connected. People Need People. With Frank Larkin
Nov 22, 2023
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Former Navy SEAL Frank Larkin discusses the mental and physical toll of service, the importance of building relationships and treating others with respect, the challenges in counting veteran suicides, transitioning to the Secret Service, staying fit as you age, international deployments, persevering through injuries in SEAL training, the emotional burden of being a military medic, seeking help for post-concussion symptoms, and the struggles faced after leaving the Navy.
The long-term effects of blast exposure on military personnel need better understanding and support.
Empathy and compassion are crucial in law enforcement leadership to deal with the emotional challenges of the job.
The Secret Service plays a vital role in protecting leaders and dignitaries through various deployments and security preparations.
The mental impact of combat experiences and exposure to traumatic scenes can have lasting effects on veterans.
Improved support and understanding of mental health in the military is essential to prevent feelings of isolation and despair.
There is a need for better resources and practices to address mental health issues in the military and prevent institutional betrayal.
Deep dives
Struggles of a Navy SEAL: The Damaging Effects of Blast Exposure
The podcast discusses the story of Ryan Larkin, a Navy SEAL who experienced severe brain injuries from blast exposure during his tours of duty. The vibrations from explosions left microscopic tears in his brain, leading to long-term effects. Larkin suffered from sleep problems, headaches, and changes in behavior. He was eventually diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and was prescribed numerous medications, which made his condition worse. Larkin tragically took his own life. His brain was studied after his death and severe brain injury related to blast exposure was discovered. The episode highlights the need for better understanding and support for military personnel who experience blast exposure and its long-term effects.
Law Enforcement and Homicide Investigations
The episode also touches on the experience of working in law enforcement, specifically in homicide investigations. The speaker shares insights into dealing with gruesome crime scenes and the emotional challenges that arise from seeing the violent consequences of criminal behavior, particularly involving children. The job requires maintaining control and objectivity amidst the horrors encountered. The speaker emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion in leadership and discusses the undercounting of suicides due to stigma and the protection of families' well-being.
Life as a Special Agent in the Secret Service
The podcast delves into the speaker's experience as a special agent in the Secret Service, initially focusing on criminal investigations related to counterfeiting, fraud, and protecting the integrity of the monetary system. The speaker also mentions working in protective intelligence and other specialty units. The episode highlights the role of the Secret Service in safeguarding key leaders and dignitaries and recounts operational deployments involving travel and security preparations. Finally, the speaker mentions the ongoing commitment to physical fitness and health, highlighting the benefits of maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, and getting sufficient sleep.
Deployment experiences and challenges
During his deployments, the summary's subject faced various challenges and experiences. In his first deployment to Iraq, he dealt with a stress fracture in his leg but persisted through Hell Week. In subsequent deployments, he faced near-helicopter collisions and witnessed disturbing scenes related to enemy activity. These experiences began affecting him mentally, as he struggled with sleep, anxiety, and changes in behavior. However, he maintained loyalty to his teammates and continued his service with dedication.
Success and recognition in training
Through his deployments and training, the summary's subject showcased exceptional performance. He excelled in sniper school, finishing at the top of his class, and received praise for his planning and operational skills. His loyalty and dedication to his platoon earned him respect and recognition from his peers and superiors.
Increasing signs of psychological impact
After his deployments, the summary's subject displayed signs of psychological impact. He experienced difficulty sleeping, nightmares, anxiety, and changes in behavior, such as irritability and decreased joviality. His exposure to intense combat situations, dangerous helicopter incidents, and disturbing scenes had a cumulative effect on his mental well-being.
Struggles with Mental Health and Disillusionment
The podcast episode discusses the main character's journey with mental health issues and the challenges he faced in seeking help. He experienced changes in behavior, memory issues, and physical symptoms such as headaches and balance problems. Despite seeking assistance from medical professionals and participating in various treatment programs, he felt betrayed by the system and was met with distrust and labels. These experiences led to feelings of isolation and despair, causing him to ultimately leave the Navy. The episode highlights the need for improved support and understanding of mental health in the military community.
Institutional Betrayal and Lack of Resources
The main character's story reveals instances of institutional betrayal within the military system. He experienced a lack of understanding and support from his command and medical providers, leading to a deteriorating trust in the system. He encountered difficulties in obtaining appropriate treatment and faced challenges related to medication side effects. Despite his dedication and loyalty, he felt abandoned and labeled by the very institution he served. This highlights the need for better resources and practices to address mental health issues in the military.
Implications of Separating from Service
The podcast episode delves into the vulnerability faced by individuals after separating from military service. The protagonist's struggles intensified during the transition period, as he wrestled with feelings of failure and disappointment. Lack of continuity in care, transition support, and understanding from the military contributed to his isolation and descent into a dark place. The narrative emphasizes the importance of a supportive departure process and post-service interventions to ensure the well-being of veterans as they navigate civilian life.
The Connection Between Brain Trauma and Suicide
The podcast episode discusses the strong connection between brain trauma and suicide, highlighting the story of Ryan, a military veteran who tragically took his own life. Ryan had suffered from a severe level of microscopic brain injury related to blast exposure. The inability to diagnose such injuries in living individuals hampers early intervention and treatment. The episode emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the invisible wounds caused by modern warfare and the need for better diagnostic tools and precision treatment protocols.
Recognizing and Addressing Health Problems, Not Disciplinary Issues
The podcast episode urges a shift in perspective when dealing with behavioral problems in the military and veteran communities. It highlights the importance of recognizing that disciplinary issues may stem from underlying health problems, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress (PTS). The lack of diagnostic tools and understanding intensify challenges in identifying and addressing these health issues. The episode calls for increased education, communication, and leadership support in treating physical and mental health as injuries and providing tailored support to enhance operational effectiveness and the resiliency of the force.
Importance of Leadership and Accountability
Leadership and accountability play a crucial role in decision-making, especially in situations where lives are at stake. It is essential for leaders to have the courage to make tough decisions and accept responsibility for the consequences, even when things don't go as planned. By allowing subordinates to take on leadership roles and trusting them to make decisions, leaders can empower their teams and achieve exceptional results.
Addressing Isolation and Providing Support
Isolation can contribute to mental health issues and put individuals at risk. Initiatives like Warrior Call aim to connect with isolated individuals, particularly veterans and first responders, who may feel disconnected from their communities and support networks. This grassroots effort seeks to reach out to these individuals through calls, texts, or visits to let them know that they are not alone and that someone cares. The goal is to provide hope and support, offer an honest conversation, and connect them with resources if needed.
The physical and mental toll of service lasts long after the uniform is retired. Many of those who are suffering are not seeking help or treatment, or they may not even know how to vocalize what they are feeling. They may pull away from family and friends and isolate themselves, a known precursor to suicidal ideation. They may be suffering from undiagnosed traumatic brain injuries that mimics psychological ailments or PTSD.
