1, 2, Many: Veteran Suicide with Timothy Lawson

We're back with new content. After a hiatus of nearly 18 months, we are continuing with programming.

First to join us is Marine Veteran Josh Howard form Woodburned Warriors. He shares his perspective when his unit lost members to suicide and how he dealt with his own emotional struggles.

It has been more than a year since we put out an episode, but this one is worth the wait. I was recently asked "how you have been able to trust people when they tell you that they love/appreciate you." Rather than responding with a quick, off-the-top response, I decided to think about it and have a conversation with someone else. I opened up the opportunity to my friends, and two wonderful gentlemen offered to join me. Corey Christman and Michael Le Buhn are both veterans that have been on this program before. The three of us each share our thoughts regarding this question and our own personal experiences that inform those thoughts.

Timothy Jones is a good friend of mine and has been on the podcast before. He was originally on 1, 2, Many in 2014 to tell his friend's story. In that episode, Tim breifly mentioned his own struggles but never admitted being suicidal. Since then, Tim has healed and accepted his past. Now he's ready to share that part of his story.

Tim was raped by a Marine when he was serving in Japan. That event led to a self-destructive lifestyle and a couple suicide attempts.

"I wanted to hurt. I needed to feel."

Listen to Tim's story and comment below with how it makes you feel. Let him know you appreciate him sharing his story. You can also let him know on Twitter @Timothy_M_Jones.

Dr. Craig Bryan from the National Center for Veterans Studies at the University of Utah joins the podcast yet again. 

Dr. Bryan was featured on the show at the beginning of the project to share his insight on veteran suicide, PTSD, and trauma related behavior. He's back to discuss what he and his peers have discovered through research in a recent publication.

Listen in as he explains what the study shows and how it can help treat veterans mental health.

I came across Anthony Pavelko on Facebook. I saw him mention his son's suicide. When I asked him to join me on the podcast, I was honored that he accepted.

Anthony's story and feelings are powerful. He talks about what it takes to face guilt, depression, and regret.

Before Anthony and I started our conversation, his chaplain came on and told me how much this interview meant to Anthony. I'm truly humbled to be able to provide a platform for these stories and give an outlet for this community.

Please, let us know if you can resonate with Anthony's story in the comments below or on Twitter:

@One2ManyProject

@TimLawson21

I met Michael LeBuhn in Orlando at the Student Veterans of American National Conference.

He attended my early morning session on suicide, and we both got along immediately. During the session, it was clear from his comments that he had experienced suicidal behavior himself. I offered him a chance to tell his story and he came through.

In this podcast you’ll hear about a book Michael is a part of. For more on that book, check out the website: http://www.heartofaveteran.com/

For those of you subscribed in iTunes: we changed the feed back in January and it will be current with all of the episodes on March 1.

Navy veteran Zack Starr hiked the Pacific Crest Trail to find himself and heal his emotional wounds.

Listen to his story about fighting depression, battling an injury, and recovering from it all.

Alex Gutierre is a Marine Corps veteran that is currently battling emotinoal health issues. Alex was involved in a motorcycle accident that took the life of his passenger and put him in a month long coma.

Alex describes his life and emotional state following the accident and where it stands now. This story is unique to the program as Alex admits that this is a current issue for him and one he is trying to overcome.

Let us know what you think of this week’s story by tweeting us:

@One2ManyProject (Podcast)

@TimLawson21 (Host)

@LawsonEntertain (Production)

I have experienced the deathly presence of silence too many times. For many people, including myself, peace and quiet is enjoyable. Unfortunately, when you’re experiencing emotional health issues, silence is like an assassin. Your head will struggle to make sense of the way you feel, and silence will step in to kill.

This should be considered in two ways.

The first applies to when you are silent during a time of need.

Many of the ad campaigns, memes, PSAs, and hashtags encourage you to reach out. Society wants you to speak up. Rightfully so, since there’s very little anyone can do when they don’t know something needs to be done.

To finish, listen to the podcast or go to One2ManyProject.com/Ep73