"Forged In Fire" with Ian Roland

We welcome US Air Force Security Forces member Ian Roland to the show! For those unaware, Security Forces members act as Military Police for the Air Force. But, Security Forces members, or "Defenders" as they are often called, have a much more diverse mission set than people realize. They guard all Air Force installations home and abroad, provide security for our nation's nuclear force, operate in Law Enforcement capacities, support "Fly Away" security missions, and also support Air Force Special Operators as DAGREs.

But, thats not why Ian jumped at the opportunity to come on the podcast! For this episode, Mental Health is the focus! Ian, Brandon, and Zach dive in on the stigmas behind seeking mental health help, especially in the military. Ian discusses a lot of his own traumas in life, how they've come forward more now as a husband and father, how the military has both hindered and helped Ian in confronting some hard things, and finally making the decision to seek help! Additionally, both Brandon and Zach share a lot of their own struggles with difficult responses and treatment they've gone through. Mental Health is a huge topic with a wide variety of conversational topics, but a couple we want to highlight most are ending stigmas and building true resiliency.

Whether its post-traumatic stress from responses on duty, childhood trauma, struggles at home, struggles in our relationships, etc...these all play a heavy factor in our mental state. One of the biggest factors this episode tries to drive home is that men need to be better at supporting one another along the journey toward getting help for the mental health issues we tend to bury inside.

If you need help, do not be afraid to reach out. The resources are there. Your friends and family are there. All of us would rather listen to you and give you a massive hug than listen to your eulogy and lay flowers on your grave. There is nothing wrong with seeking help and no one is a burden!

You can dial "988" or "1-800-273-8255" from your phone and reach the National Suicide Hotline at any time, day or night.

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