The Mark Divine Show

Navigating the Shadows of Trauma (with D Paul Fleming)

Nov 22, 2023

US Navy veteran D Paul Fleming shares his journey of faith, writing, and overcoming trauma. Discusses breaking the silence on veteran suicide, the importance of the first step towards healing, and the power of storytelling. Also explores military lineage, confronting traumatic past, Native American spirituality, and the misunderstood teachings of Jesus.

36:28

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Episode guests

D Paul Fleming

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Quick takeaways

Breaking the Silence on Veteran Suicide: Veteran suicide rates are alarming, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issue. Destigmatizing and openly discussing suicide within the military community is crucial. Suicide prevention support is readily available by dialing 988 in the USA, providing a tangible resource for those in need.

First Step Towards Healing: Initiating change starts with taking that challenging first step, especially when dealing with trauma. Individuals need to recognize that they are not alone in their pain. Acknowledging the difficulty of the first step fosters a shared understanding that pain and suffering are universal.

Deep dives

The Healing Power of Telling Your Story

Deepal Fleming, a retired disabled US Navy veteran, shares his journey of personal transformation and overcoming childhood abuse in his book, '2442 Steps to Crazy.' He emphasizes the importance of storytelling as a means of healing and encouraging others to share their own struggles. Fleming's mission is to advocate for veterans and help them heal from trauma and post-traumatic stress. He believes that trauma should never be judged or measured, as everyone's experiences are unique. By sharing his story, he hopes to provide a starting point for others to move forward and find healing.

Introduction

2min

Military Lineage, Challenges, and Inspiration from Grandfather

2min

Confronting Traumatic Past and Sharing the Story

13min

Sleep, Sneaker Ad, and Native American Spirituality

6min

The Power of Jesus' Teachings

13min

Closing Thoughts, Social Media Connection, and Sponsor Ads

3min

Trauma does not discriminate. Trauma is trauma.

PTSD and suicide are like hand in glove in the veteran community. In this episode, US Navy veteran D. Paul Flemming(@DPaulFleming) shares his journey of faith, writing, and overcoming trauma.

"Trauma belongs in the eyes of the person who suffered it, and nobody, in my opinion, nobody should weigh or judge the level of trauma. It is up to the individual to determine how severe the trauma is. " - D Paul Fleming

Key Takeaways:

Breaking the Silence on Veteran Suicide: Veteran suicide rates are alarming, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the issue. Destigmatizing and openly discussing suicide within the military community is crucial. Suicide prevention support is readily available by dialing 988 in the USA, providing a tangible resource for those in need.

First Step Towards Healing: Initiating change starts with taking that challenging first step, especially when dealing with trauma. Individuals need to recognize that they are not alone in their pain. Acknowledging the difficulty of the first step fosters a shared understanding that pain and suffering are universal.

Healing Through Storytelling: Storytelling has been a foundational aspect of human history, providing a powerful avenue for connection and healing. Sharing stories creates a collective understanding of the human condition. Storytelling reinforces the idea that individuals are not alone in their experiences, fostering a sense of shared humanity.

Embracing Diversity in Spirituality: Cultural beliefs vary widely on the meaning and practice of faith. Respecting and allowing individuals to have their personal faith system, even if it differs from one's own, aligns with the core teachings of many religions. Embracing diverse spiritual beliefs contributes to a more inclusive and understanding society.

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