Navigating the Shadows of Trauma (with D Paul Fleming)
Nov 22, 2023
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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.
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.
Native American Spirituality and Personal Growth
Fleming discusses the intersection of his Native American spirituality and his personal growth journey. He highlights the commonalities between different spiritual beliefs and emphasizes the importance of tapping into the light within oneself. Fleming believes that people should not judge or compare each other's traumas, as each individual's experience is significant. He acknowledges the impact of spiritual practices, such as storytelling and ceremonies, in healing and finding meaning in life. Fleming encourages others to connect with their spiritual beliefs and inner light to navigate their own healing journeys.
Destigmatizing Mental Health and Suicide among Veterans
Fleming addresses the urgent need to destigmatize mental health and suicide among veterans. Reflecting on his own struggles with suicidal thoughts, he emphasizes the importance of open conversation and storytelling as a means of providing support and understanding. He plans to write a book titled 'A Date with Suicide' to highlight both the perspective of someone considering suicide and the emotional aftermath for those left behind. Fleming aims to increase awareness about the pain and consequences associated with suicide and hopes to foster a more compassionate and proactive approach to mental wellness in the veteran community.
The Power of Healing and Connection through Stories
Fleming's work centers around the power of storytelling in healing and connecting with others. Drawing inspiration from Native American traditions, he recognizes the healing properties of sharing stories and believes that individuals can find solace and support when their experiences resonate with others. Fleming expresses his commitment to listen to veterans who need someone to talk to and hopes that by encouraging individuals to share their stories, he can create a space for healing and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health.
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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