Ben Valdez is a Marine Corps veteran. At a young age, he was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a developmental disorder that affects his social and nonverbal communication skills.

Ben joins us today to share his story of joining the Marines, living with Asperger’s, and how he began living his own Hero’s Journey after leaving the military. He explains what Asperger’s is and why military life can often be more challenging for people with the condition. He shares the challenges he faced while serving his country and how they led to his depression and PTSD. He also shares how joining the Marine Corps League after being discharged from the Marines have given him the strength to create his own Hero’s Journey.

“It’s okay to mayday.” - Ben Valdez

In This Episode of Surviving Me:

Resources Mentioned:

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DISCLAIMER: This content is created purely to help veterans tell their story and bring awareness to post combat-related disorders including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The Surviving Me hosts are not, nor claim to be, medical doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists and should not be held responsible for any claims, medical advice, or therapy/treatment recommendations mentioned on this podcast. Any advice shared by the hosts or their guests is strictly for purposes of bringing awareness to the veteran community and the services available. Please speak with your doctor or medical professional before taking any advice or starting any therapy or treatment program discussed or shared on this podcast.