EP 10: Just Chillin’ With Mac on Conquering Her Mental Health Struggles

Afterthought on The Military Family

Why would you choose the Navy over the other branches of the U.S. military?

How can a military member deal with homesickness while deployed?

How do service members maintain their mental health while deployed?

In this episode, we'll learn why Mac chose the Navy over pursuing culinary arts in college, how she dealt with her mental health concerns throughout her deployment, and how she learned to perform various tasks through military programs.

About the Guest:

Mac has been a Navy Corpsman for the past six years. She was born in the Philippines but spent her childhood in Boston. She does physical therapy in the Navy, enjoys snorkeling, is an excellent cook, participates in CrossFit training, and has a strong desire to travel.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

• Know how to use your hobbies as a guide for choosing your career
• Learn to have a second family by befriending colleagues throughout your military service assignment.
• Witness how to overcome mental health struggles the military way

Check out these episode highlights:

• 02:28 - Mac's reason for joining the military
• 05:17 - Her family’s reaction to her joining the military
• 07:47 - Sports she was into and how being athletic helped her at the boot camp
• 08:36 - Her boot camp experience
• 09:38 - Kept the friendship intact
• 10:35 - How the military is her second family
• 11:01 - Thoughts about quitting the service
• 11:08 - Missing family gatherings and other special occasions
• 11:26 - Why service members can't just leave work
• 12:03 - How long did her homesickness last
• 13:25 - How technology helped her during covid
• 14:19 - Importance of letters at the boot camp
• 15:32 - First duty station; A-School
• 16:07 - Taking Physical Therapy in A-School
• 19:01 - Culinary as her first career choice
• 22:04 - Moving forward through self love
• 23:08 - Physical, Emotional & Spiritual Journey: The Military Way
• 25:29 - How she adapted from the military life
• 29:48 - Seeking professional help
• 30:47 - Mental health struggles in the military
• 31:37 - Good support system
• 31:51 - Advice: There are other resources
• 32:57 - Knowing what to do but don't do it
• 33:28 - Needs from the society
• 35:09 - A look into the future: Mac 10 years from now
• 36:41 - How service members are not so different from civilians
• 37:25 - Who can join the military
• 38:37 - How military programs can teach you how to do things

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DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.