MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (InvestigateTV) — Active-duty service members experiencing mental health disorders occupied more hospital beds than any other affliction in 2023, according to a Defense Health Agency report.
An average of 17 veterans die by suicide every day, and stigma remains a major barrier preventing military personnel and first responders from seeking care.
“Stigma is a huge barrier to care. It’s what prevents people from reaching out,” Dr. M. David Rudd, a psychologist at the University of Memphis, said.
Veteran launches nonprofit after personal crisis
Navy veteran Billy Bowering is working to change that through his nonprofit Day1Week1, which he launched in June 2023.
The organization provides free mental health resources, financial services and couples counseling to first responders and veterans.
“I wanted to do something different. I didn’t just want to talk about, ‘Hey, let’s have awareness,’” Bowering said.
Bowering also hosts a podcast where first responders and veterans share their struggles.
“The concept behind it is, we really want to be able to reach that person that may not look for counseling,” he said.
Organization provides tangible help
Former paramedic Parker McBryde became a podcast guest after listening to Bowering’s show.
She shared her battles with PTSD and depression, as well as her struggle with losing her eyesight because she could not afford cataract surgery.
“A few days later, he called back, and he said, ‘I’ve secured it. We’re gonna help you,’ and so it was such a huge relief to know that, you know, my eyesight was finally gonna at least be restored, or at least to a level where I’d have glasses or something that I could at least see. So, very thankful for ‘Day1,’” McBryde said.
The faith-based organization has helped seven others.
“You wonder sometimes if things are tangible, if you’re making a difference, and there’s a tangible difference,” Bowering said.
Personal experience drives mission
The organization’s name comes from a phrase Bowering’s company commander used in boot camp: “Today’s day one, week one. This is the first day of the rest of your life.”
The phrase took on new meaning for Bowering in 2022 when he was preparing for a camping trip with his wife and experienced a mental health crisis.
“I just felt this incredible sense of loss and worthlessness, and all of these things, and I just had made that decision, I can’t do this anymore,” Bowering said.
He called his wife to say goodbye. She then contacted his friend from church, a Vietnam veteran, who arrived at Bowering’s door within minutes.
“I had everything ready, and then just as I was within probably two minutes, there was a knock on the door, and Steve Clippenger stood there. I realized in that moment that it was time to be one of those interrupters,” Bowering said.
Now Bowering helps others turn their pain into purpose.
“Whenever someone’s struggling, you know, we’re gonna try to be that source of strength and that hope for tomorrow,” Bowering said.
McBryde believes sharing stories helps break stigma around mental health.
“You know, I think the more that we share them, I think it does help to break that stigma,” she said.
For more information about Bowering’s podcast or support for first responders and veterans, visit day1week1.org.
Veterans and their loved ones can get 24/7 confidential help from the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988, then press 1.
Learn more here.
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