Share
Security Clearance Careers Podcast
Reducing the Veteran Suicide Rate
•
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and mental health are critical issues that affect many veterans and the veteran suicide rate. The experiences and environments faced during military service can lead to enduring psychological impacts that require attention and care.
Greg VanDyne is a former Special Forces Medical Sergeant (18D) who served with 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He co-founded the Vetrepreneur Collective which is a community that takes the skills the military diligently taught veterans and gives a step-by-step guide to start your own company through Mentorship, coaching, guidance, and advice all through a like minded veteran community. Greg believes “the military should be throwing the kitchen sink at reducing soldier suicide”, making Suicide Safety Plans an annual requirement for the military retirement and transition process.
He joins the Security Clearance Careers Podcast to discuss his own transition and why destigmatizing mental health is so important to him.
PTSD is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. For veterans, these events may include combat, military sexual trauma, or other life-threatening situations. Symptoms of PTSD can include:
- Intrusive Memories: Recurrent, distressing memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event.
- Avoidance: Steering clear of places, activities, or people that remind them of the trauma.
- Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: Feelings of hopelessness, memory problems, or difficulty maintaining close relationships.
- Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions: Being easily startled, having trouble sleeping, or experiencing irritability and anger.
Addressing mental health is vital for veterans to lead fulfilling lives post-service. Mental health care can involve:
- Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are effective treatments for PTSD.
- Medication: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help manage symptoms.
- Support Groups: Connecting with peers who have similar experiences can provide emotional support and a sense of community.
- Self-Care: Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet, and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation can improve overall well-being.
Veterans may face unique challenges in seeking mental health care:
- Stigma: There can be a stigma associated with seeking help, which may prevent veterans from accessing necessary services.
- Access to Care: Navigating the VA healthcare system or finding mental health professionals who understand military culture can be difficult.
- Transition to Civilian Life: Adjusting to civilian life can be stressful and may exacerbate mental health issues.
Supporting veterans in their mental health journey involves:
- Awareness and Education: Promoting understanding of PTSD and mental health issues among the public and within the veteran community.
- Access to Resources: Ensuring veterans have information on and access to mental health services, both through the VA and private providers.
- Community Support: Encouraging community programs and initiatives that support veterans and their families.
More episodes
View all episodes
Career Transitions for Political Appointees
19:02|A change in presidential administrations doesn’t just mean new policies and priorities in government – it also means new political appointees coming in and others moving out. Grant Haver, a former political appointee in the Department of Homeland Security, knows first-hand the experience of transitioning out of federal government, and the sprint of service political appointees take on. He created a resume bank for presidential employees who served with Team 46. He joins the show to talk about what it’s like to serve as a political appointee, why they bring unique skills that can be advantageous across the private sector, and why employers should look to former political appointees for job openings.Like federal employees or service members transitioning, political appointees face specific rules about what jobs they can pursue. Political appointees should heed any advice provided in out-briefings, but take full advantage of career resources like ClearanceJobs.com to help them connect with employers and find government and contract opportunities that match their skillsets.Military Influencer Major Jackie Barnum on Leadership and Mentors in Service
30:26|Marine Corps Logistics Officer Major Jackie Barnum is living her dream—and she’s dedicated to helping others do the same. In this compelling interview, Katie dives into Major Barnum’s journey, from her inspiration to serve after 9/11 to her time at the Naval Academy and her impactful military career.00:00 Intro02:29 9/11 & the Call to Service03:50 The Naval Academy04:42 Major General Angela Salinas & Applying to the Naval Academy06:36 Current Role07:20 The Driving Force Behind National Security Work07:49 Misconceptions About the Military10:00 Memorable Experience from Service & Commissioning 11:50 Direct Impact of Leadership & Mentorship12:48 Marine Corps Challenges & Building Resilience 15:55 Social Media Presence17:20 The Start of Jackie’s Content Was a Morale Boosting Activity for Her Students18:50 Mentors in Service 20:00 Rewarding Moments22:15 How Her Following Led to a Non-Profit (Mentors in Service)24:00 How Mentors in Service Works27:15 Negative Comments & Trolls30:18 Finding Your People32:22 Goals for the FutureMajor Barnum shares how her passion for leadership and mentorship led her to create Mentors in Service, a nonprofit that empowers others to find their purpose and thrive. Learn about her experiences overcoming challenges in the Marine Corps, building resilience, and using social media to inspire and connect with a broader community.www.mentorsinservice.orgDiscover how Major Barnum’s journey is a testament to living your dream while lifting others up along the way.Hilarious Army Influencer is Going Viral On Social Media
10:38|A member of the Virginia Army National Guard and law enforcement officer has become an emerging social media sensation.The Content Team spoke with Sergeant First Class Tyler Butterworth in a special ClearedCast episode, exploring how he employs humor and viral videos to connect with those who serve.Clearance Policy in the Trump Era
27:12|News broke this week that President-elect Trump would be moving forward with the usual process of conducting background investigations for political appointees. Speculation that he might change that process was among some of the chatter about how Trump could affect clearance policy that came out after the election. How else might policies change with a new presidential administration? Sean Bigley and Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs discuss more about the changes that could happen - and more likely what things will stay the same.Privacy Concerns Over Employee Monitoring
10:19|If you get fired over employer monitoring issues, there is an added layer of concern over losing your security clearance due to integrity or misuse of IT systems.Employee monitoring has become an increasingly common practice in today's workplaces, largely due to advancements in technology and a growing emphasis on productivity and security. However, this trend raises significant privacy concerns that both employers and employees must navigate.Sean Bigley and Lindy Kyzer discuss what this all means for government workers, security clearance holders, and using personal vs. employer devices.Security Clearance Reform and Personnel Vetting
29:16|Trusted Workforce 2.0 is well underway, and as we await further progress on the National Background Investigations Bureau it’s worth asking what's next in reform, and why this transformation matters. This special podcast with the Honorable Susan M. Gordon, former Principal Deputy Director of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and Andrew Razumovsky, Principal, CANDA Solutions centered on these crucial topics.The Path to Federal Employment
28:59|Kanika Tolver is a renowned career coach, author, and speaker known for her innovative and empowering approach to career transformation. With a background in technology and a passion for helping individuals achieve their professional dreams, she has become a leading voice in the realm of career development - or career rehab.In this episode of the security clearance careers podcast, we discuss her journey to federal employment, her experience in the security clearance process, benefits of the federal goverment, and how to increase your earning potential in GovTech.An Inside Look Into the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Analysis Directorate
29:35|Carmen Medina is a distinguished figure in the U.S. intelligence community, known for her innovative thinking and transformative impact. Her career in the IC spanned over three decades, during which she challenged conventional practices and advocated for critical changes that have left a lasting legacy. She joins the podcast to talk about being a Latina woman at a time when the agency hallways were filled with men.Supporting Veterans: Akima’s Commitment to Career Growth and Transition Success
21:36|Discover how Akima supports veterans through dedicated recruitment programs, career opportunities, and mentorship, helping them transition smoothly from military to civilian life.Discover careers for veterans at Akima: www.akima.com/veterans