Breaking the Silence: Clifton Hanson on Suicide Awareness, Moral Injury, and Healing in the Military Community
- Breaking the Silence: Clifton Hanson on Suicide Awareness, Moral Injury, and Healing in the Military Community Nathaniel Scheer 59:04
What if we could break the silence and stigma surrounding Mental Health in the military? Join us in this deeply moving episode as we bring to light the critical issue of suicide awareness, particularly within the military community. I had the privilege of sitting down with Clifton Hanson, our wing chaplain, who brings a wealth of experience and insight into suicidal ideations and moral injury. Despite my own health challenges, this conversation was too important to miss. We discussed how psychological diagnoses are catching up with concepts long addressed by the church, and how both disciplines can work together to support mental health. We also tackled the persistent stigma surrounding mental health in the military, emphasizing the necessity of ongoing conversations to dismantle these barriers.
Clifton and I then explored the importance of viewing mental health care as vital as physical health care. We stressed maintaining regular mental health practices and highlighted the crucial role of personal connections in preventing crises like suicide. Through heartfelt anecdotes, we underscored the challenges of not having deep, reliable friendships during tough times and introduced the concept of moral injury. This led us to a deeper understanding of how personal connections and open conversations can be lifesaving. Clifton shared how the act of reaching out to others can be a transformative step in finding relief and healing from moral injuries.
The episode also delves into the journey of healing through forgiveness and Relationships. Clifton emphasized that true relief often requires forgiveness from an external source, such as another person or a higher power. Through real-life examples, we illustrated how seeking absolution for morally troubling actions can be crucial for healing. We also discussed the importance of creating a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and the nuanced distinction between forgiveness and acceptance. As we wrapped up, I reflected on the profound insights and emotional depth of our conversation and encouraged our listeners to engage with us, share their thoughts, and continue this crucial dialogue. Thank you all for your unwavering support and love.
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