From Service to Civilian: Addressing Mental Health Stigma and Veteran Suicide with Rachel Oswalt | 131

Veterans suicide death and military mental health has been making headlines for decades, on today’s episode we look at the root causes. I am joined by Rachel Oswalt, an inspiring US Navy veteran and mental wellness advocate. Rachel discusses the critical role of connecting with supportive individuals throughout her life's journey, particularly in navigating the labyrinth of military mental health. We explored some of the pressing issues plaguing military communities, from the devastating rates of veteran suicides to the overshadowing stigma that hinders mental health reporting.

During our chat, Rachel shed light on the unique challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. It's not just about leaving the military behind; it's about finding a new identity, purpose, and community in a world that often feels foreign. We discussed several effective programs aimed at aiding this transition, like the "reverse boot camp" and AI-driven job matching tools. Rachel also passionately endorsed local solutions like the Firewatch organization's suicide prevention training, emphasizing the need for community-based approaches over national mandates.

Perhaps most importantly, we delved into the underreported, yet pervasive issue of military sexual trauma (MST). Rachel shared her own harrowing experiences and the severe trust issues that arise from such deep-seated cultural problems. Rachel highlighted the necessity of cultural shifts within the military to foster a supportive, validated environment. 

The most impactful message that I hope you take away is this: simple, caring gestures can make a world of difference. Join us this episode for an important discussion on the pathway to mental wellness in and out of the military!

More about Rachel

Rachel Oswalt is a military mental health advocate, host of the podcast "Your Story Doesn't End Here", and a champion for change in her local community for veteran reintegration initiatives. After her mental health struggles and losing 4 friends to suicide, she initiated a 2019 petition to the highest enlisted ranking member of the Navy, sparking a movement for better mental health across DoD organizations. Actively involved in her community, she is launching a military and veteran reintegration center, and continues to emphasize the message "you are not alone.

Contact Rachel

Show Notes