Veteran Triumphs Over Silent Struggle Winning The War After The War
Reclaiming Identity After Military Service
In this episode of Real Men Feel, host Andy Grant sits down with Louis Stockley Jr., an army veteran, father, coach, and founder of Before 22. Louis spent 17 years in military and federal service, facing emotional shutdown and internal pressure despite outward success. He shares his journey of reclaiming his life and identity after the military, discussing his struggles with mental health, societal expectations of masculinity, and addiction to video games. Louis turned his breakdown into a mission to help other veterans rediscover their purpose and voice.
Together, they explore the challenges veterans face transitioning back to civilian life, the importance of vulnerability, and the foundational role of brotherhood and service. Join them for an in-depth conversation about what it truly means to be a man and how to find balance and fulfillment in a world that often encourages silence.
00:00 Military Programming and Emotional Suppression
00:40 Introduction to Real Men Feel and Guest Louis Stockley Jr.
01:27 Louis Stockley's Military Background and Early Challenges
03:13 Lessons in Masculinity and Military Discipline
07:55 A Painful Lesson in Commitment
10:17 Transitioning to Civilian Life
18:28 Struggles with Trust and Isolation
21:32 The Turning Point: Overcoming Video Game Addiction
28:01 Discovering the Power of Fitness
29:00 Helping a Friend in Need
32:56 The Impact of Brotherhood
35:32 Facing Personal Challenges
38:10 Understanding Veterans' Struggles
41:18 The Mission of Before 22
47:33 Encouraging Vulnerability and Seeking Help
52:33 Final Thoughts and Resources
Connect with Louis
LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/lstockley/
Louis on TikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@vetcoachlouis
Before 22 — https://www.tiktok.com/@before22aday
Louis on IG — https://www.instagram.com/vetcoachlouis
Before 22 — https://www.instagram.com/before22aday/
Connect with Andy and the Real Men Feel Podcast:
Join me and connect with other like-minded men in the
Authentic AF Community | http://realmenfeel.org/group
Instagram | @realmenfeelshow & @theandygrant
Andy Grant | https://theandygrant.com for coaching, healing, and book info!
Real Men Feel | http://realmenfeel.org
YouTube | https://youtube.com/realmenfeel
#RealMenFeel ep 382
Exploring Post-Service Identity and Emotional Deprogramming
Have you ever wondered what happens when the uniform comes off and the real challenges begin? In this video, we dive deep into the world of Veteran Mental Health and explore the journey of reclaiming one's identity after military service.
Join us as we uncover the emotional struggles faced by veterans and how they can navigate the complex landscape of veterans mental health. This isn't just about survival; it's about thriving in a world that often misunderstands the unique challenges of mental health and veterans.
Understanding the Military's Impact
The military is designed to create efficient soldiers, but what happens when emotions are suppressed for too long? We discuss the effects of this programming and the importance of Post-Service Identity and Emotional Deprogramming for a healthier transition to civilian life.
Reclaiming Identity and Voice
Our guest, Lewis Stockley Jr., shares his personal journey of overcoming silence and emotional shutdown. Discover how he turned his breakdown into a mission to help others in the realm of Veteran Mental Health.
The Role of Community and Support
Building a supportive community is crucial for addressing veterans and mental health issues. Learn how connecting with others can provide the strength needed to face the challenges of veterans mental health.
Steps to Emotional Deprogramming
We explore practical steps for Post-Service Identity and Emotional Deprogramming, offering insights into how veterans can reclaim their lives and identities. This is about more than just coping; it's about finding a new path forward.
Conclusion
In this video, we've explored the critical aspects of Post-Service Identity and Emotional Deprogramming and its impact on Veteran Mental Health. Understanding the unique challenges faced by veterans is essential for fostering a supportive environment.
By addressing the issues of veterans and mental health, we can help create a world where mental health and veterans are prioritized. Let's continue to support each other in this journey towards healing and growth.
