#veteranmentalhealth

[whatsissue]

Soldier Who Died by Suicide in Las Vegas Spoke of Pain, Trauma After Afghanistan

Soldier Who Died by Suicide in Las Vegas Spoke of Pain, Trauma After Afghanistan On New Year's Day, a highly decorated Special Forces soldier, Matthew Livelsberger, tragically died by suicide in a Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas. Livelsberger, 37, confided in a former girlfriend, Alicia Arritt, a former Army nurse, about the significant pain and exhaustion he experienced—key symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) stemming from his military service. A Distinguished Military Career Livelsberger was a five-time recipient of the Bronze Star, including one awarded for valor under fire. His exemplary military record included numerous deployments and a recently born child. However, the mental and physical toll of his service weighed heavily on him, as he struggled with the psychological effects of combat, including the loss of fellow soldiers and the actions he had to take during his deployments. Seeking Help Despite his accolades, Livelsberger sought treatment for depression from the Army, revealing his vulnerability. He had a close relationship with Arritt, who witnessed firsthand the toll that TBI can take on veterans. They met in 2018 through a dating app while both were in Colorado Springs, where Arritt had treated many soldiers with severe combat injuries. “I saw a lot of bad injuries, but the personality changes can happen later,” Arritt reflected on the challenges veterans face. Through their relationship, Livelsberger expressed his struggles, sharing texts about his experiences in Afghanistan, including the toll of multiple concussions. He described his life as a "personal hell," revealing the emotional burden he carried. The Last Messages Before his death, Livelsberger reached out to Arritt after years of limited contact, sending upbeat messages and videos of himself with the Cybertruck. However, Arritt sensed deeper symbolism in his actions, suggesting that the explosion was not impulsive but rather a thoughtful expression of his internal struggles. “He wasn’t impulsive,” Arritt stated. “I don’t see him doing this impulsively, so my suspicion would be that he was probably thinking it out.” Stigma and Mental Health Arritt noted that Livelsberger exhibited signs of TBI as early as 2018, including withdrawal and depression. Despite her encouragement to seek help, he feared that doing so could jeopardize his military career due to the stigma surrounding mental health in the Special Forces community. “There was a lot of stigma in his unit… mental health is seen as weakness,” she explained. Official Response The Pentagon has since turned over Livelsberger's medical records to local law enforcement and emphasized the importance of mental health care for service members. Sabrina Singh, deputy press secretary at the Pentagon, urged troops facing challenges to seek support through available military resources. “If you need help, if you feel that you need to seek any type of mental health treatment, or just to talk to someone — to seek the services that are available, either on base or off,” Singh said. Conclusion Matthew Livelsberger’s tragic death highlights the ongoing challenges faced by veterans, particularly concerning mental health and the stigma surrounding it. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help and the need for continued support for those who have served in combat. Read the full article

[dang80kane]

In this heartfelt episode, Dang80Kane reconnects with long-time friend and retired veteran Joe Dee to discuss life after military service. Together, they explore the challenges veterans face in finding purpose, the toll of physical and mental health struggles, and the resilience required to rebuild life after service. From dealing with injuries and medical misdiagnoses to battling depression and finding faith, this candid conversation sheds light on the veteran experience.

Joe Dee shares his journey of adapting to civilian life, the impact of service on his body, and the importance of advocating for one's health. The two reflect on the camaraderie of their military days and discuss how holistic approaches to healing and self-care have become a growing trend among veterans. With humor, humility, and wisdom, they inspire hope and encourage veterans to listen to their bodies, speak up, and find strength in shared experiences.

Tune in for an episode filled with authentic stories, meaningful insights, and a message of hope for anyone navigating life after service.

[verticalmomentum1]

35 Years Ago Right Now I Was Living In A Crack House Eating Out Of Garbage Cans And Fighting Drug And Alcohol Addiction.

I Wish Someone Would Have Shown Me This.

This Christmas, You Are Not Alone 🎄💔

As a veteran, I know the silence of an empty room can feel louder than any battlefield.

For many of us, the holidays aren’t filled with joy 🎅, but with memories that weigh heavy.

Addiction whispers lies, and mental health battles isolate us further.

This Christmas, some of us will sit alone, fighting demons no one else can see.

But hear me: you are not alone. You fought for this country 🇺🇸.

Now, fight for yourself.

Every day, 22 of our brothers and sisters lose their battle.

Don’t let that number include you. There is hope. There is help.

📞 If you’re struggling, call #988—there’s someone waiting to hear you, to remind you that your story isn’t over yet.

Let’s make this Christmas the turning point.

Together, we can silence the lies and rediscover the strength within us 💪.

You’re worth it. You’re needed.

We served together—we heal together.

Reach out.

Let’s keep each other alive ❤️.

#VeteranMentalHealth

#StopThe22

#YouAreNotAlone

[featheredpipe]

All the grounds are delicately tucked under the soft white blanket of snow at Feathered Pipe Ranch, easing us into the final months of the year. As it gets cold outside and the days grow shorter, we look more towards heartwarming activities to round out 2022. November 4th - 13th is Veterans Yoga Project’s 9th Annual “Gratitude Week,” which offers many ways to participate in person and online. Help them honor our nation's veterans, service members, their families and communities by attending a registered VYP yoga class locally or online, signing up to donate proceeds of your own yoga class (as a teacher), or donate directly to their incredible work. There are a few more days left to participate. Learn more at https://veteransyogaproject.org/vgw/ #veteransyogaproject #supportveterans #mindfulresilience #veteranmentalhealth #supportourtroops https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckte7XdPwS-/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[buydestin30a]

This looks like a lot of fun for an awesome cause! #fortwaltonbeach Reposted from @veterans_48 Hey for all you folks that are participating in the Blackwater ride feel fee to join us Saturday for our Ruck March at 8am. The Veterans 48 group will also be having a coffee run from 9am to 11am - you can start at your choice of the following FWB locations: Enlightened Studios, Maas Coffee House, The Hot Spot or The Main Brew. The mission of Veterans 48 is to provide vets & 1sr Responders that have lost limbs with accessible motorcycles. 📷 Emerald Coast Harley Davidson 🇺🇸 www.veterans48.org 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 #veterans_48 #veteranshelpingveterans #veteranssuicideawareness #veteransupport #mentalhealthawareness #preventsuicide #mentalhealthwarrior ##veteranmentalhealth #advocateforchange #supportavet #usveteransnetwork #unitedstatesveteransnetwork #unitedstatesveterans #ptsdawareness #firstresponders #firtstresponder #850strong #onthecoast #getthe pats #nwfldailynews #destinlife #destinlog (at Fort Walton Beach, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPHVfQfD8Ss/?utm_medium=tumblr

[owntheviewcreatives]

credit: @felineuniverse - Sergeant cat - #military #militarylife #militarylove #militaryfitness #militaryhistory #militarywomen #militarymen #militaryhumor #veterans #militaryveteran #militaryveterans #veteran #veteranssupportingveterans #mentalwellness #militarymentalhealth #veteranmentalhealth #selfcare #humor #catlove #healing #expressiveartstherapy #owntheview https://www.instagram.com/p/CIlO6E9jES6/?igshid=1n6imfs202642

[heavymetalthursday]

Posted @withregram • @wellnessforvets PTSD Awareness Day 2020. This photo was captured by author Patrick K. O’Donnell on November 11, 2004 after my squad too yet another casualty and I received multiple gunshots and shrapnel in my left arm, shoulder, and face. Years after that battle the veteran community continues to lose members to their own personal battles that continue to wage within. (Dedicated to @rory.hamill who was an inspiration to many and who ended his own battle this year. RIP Devil.) . 🦅🌎⚓️ @wellnessforvets . . . . . #ptsd #ptsdawareness #ptsdwarrior #ptsdsupport #veteranmentalhealth #purpleheartveteran #semperfi #usmc #veterans #devildog #marines #specialoperations #armedforces #marinecorps #militarylifestyle #militarycommunity #veteranwellness #infantry #veteranservices #supportthetroops #specialops #marines_news #marinestrong #warriorpose #warriormindset #veteranstrong #semperfidelis #fallujah #operatorasfuck #resilience https://www.instagram.com/p/CB9JGwhHWiZ/?igshid=lk3z69zfrdcp

[nanalolacouture]

Happy Veteran’s Day to my Amazing Husband Eric Jones and to all who have served our country in war and in peace. I Salute You! #vet #veteransday #salutetoservice #veteranshealth #veteranmentalhealth https://www.instagram.com/p/B4uwPOiFNTE/?igshid=4murs90qhnw4

[psycfem]

Counseling Solutions in Killeen, TX. takes all insurances including Veterans Choice (from VA). We offer Bell County Court Approved Anger Counseling.#veteranmentalhealth #angermanagement #counseling #tricare#stress #ptsd #killeentx https://www.instagram.com/p/ByoavrynRHq/?igshid=bqhjiaa665gl

[zorancuckovic]

#MemorialDay #MemorialDayWeekend #Military #MilitaryIndustrialComplex #Veterans #USA #US #USAVeterans #USVeterans #Suicide #VeteranSuicide #MentalHealth #VeteranMentalHealth https://www.instagram.com/p/CPhr4TrlQWN/?utm_medium=tumblr

[thecommandoinyourcorner-blog]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tim Thomas (@commandoinyourcorner)

World mental health day today. For the full video go to my YouTube channel 'Commando in Your Corner ' https://youtu.be/HvjTZt8cS-Q; #mentalhealth #veteranmentalhealth #emotionalpain #physicalpain #paineducation #wholeness #completeperson https://www.instagram.com/p/B3a8P7JJEyM/?igshid=1bpl0bv7iqhpz

[vets4biz-blog]

Some people make apparel @aflickofthewristtn Gina Miller makes A DIFFERENCE! #mentalhealth #veteranmentalhealth #mentalwellness #makingadifference https://vets4biz.us/a-flick-of-the-wrist/

[psychchick09]

Help me out, Tumblr!

For my dissertation, I’m doing phone interviews with LGBT veterans! If you or someone you know would be interested in participating for a $20 Amazon gift card, please message me on here or email me at noel.elrod@slu.edu!

#LGBTQ #LGBT #lgbtveterans #VeteranMentalHealth

[denvercounselingsolutions]