In this deeply impactful episode of VET S.O.S. Podcast, host Keith and
Eric welcome Deny Caballero, a retired Green Beret, mental health
advocate, blogger, podcaster, and mentor. Deny shares his inspiring
journey from serving as a Green Beret to becoming a mental health
advocate for veterans and civilians alike. Throughout their
conversation, Deny delves into the emotional and psychological
challenges that come with transitioning out of the military, especially
for those who served in elite units like the Green Berets.
Deny
opens up about his personal struggles with mental health, including
depression, anxiety, and PTSD, and emphasizes the importance of
vulnerability in seeking help. He shares his powerful story of recovery,
supported by the Lower Ridge Treatment Center and a multidisciplinary
team of health professionals who helped him through some of his darkest
days. He explains how breaking down the stigma around mental health is
essential in helping veterans and service members feel comfortable
seeking the support they need.
Deny also introduces the concept
of Operator Syndrome, a white paper study by Dr. Chris Free, which sheds
light on the long-term effects of trauma experienced by military
operators. He explains how understanding this syndrome helped him better
grasp his own symptoms and the importance of a comprehensive, holistic
approach to healing that addresses mental, physical, and emotional
well-being.
One of the central themes of this episode is the
importance of finding purpose after leaving the military. Deny talks
about how many veterans, including himself, struggle to adjust to life
after service and how discovering new passions and purpose is key to
thriving post-military. He shares how his passion for mental health
advocacy and podcasting has become a way to help others and make a
meaningful impact in the lives of veterans.
Deny also emphasizes
the significance of faith and community in his healing process,
describing how reconnecting with his Catholic faith provided him with a
sense of peace and purpose. He discusses the role of organizations like
Advancing Warriors International, which offer faith-based support for
veterans, and stresses the importance of building new support networks
in the civilian world.
In addition to these personal insights,
Deny advocates for veterans to pursue leadership roles in government and
civic life. He passionately calls for more veterans to step up, run for
office, and engage in meaningful advocacy to improve the country’s
governance and policy. Deny firmly believes that veterans have a unique
perspective and skill set that can drive positive change in the public
sphere.
Action Items:
- Reach out to Deny Caballero via
Instagram or email at [email protected] to learn more about his work
and the Security Halt movement.
- Also check out his website https://www.securityhalt.com/
- Check out resources like the Lower Ridge Treatment Center and Advancing Warriors International for support and guidance.
Subscribe to VET S.O.S. Podcast for more episodes focusing on mental
health, veteran support, and personal empowerment. If you enjoyed this
episode, please like, comment, and share it to help spread the word
about this important movement!
#vetsos #vetsospodcast #VeteranMentalHealth #MilitaryTransition #MentalHealthAdvocacy #VeteranSupport #SecurityHaltPodcast
