Silent Strength with Invisible Warriors

Nancy Becher

”Silent Strength: Women Veterans’ Stories of Resilience” is a heartfelt podcast that shines a light on the experiences of women veterans navigating PTSD, MST, and invisible illnesses. Join us as we delve into the courageous journeys and unwavering resilience of these invisible warriors. Through powerful personal stories, insightful discussions, and expert interviews, we explore the impact of PTSD, MST, and chronic conditions on women veterans. From understanding the challenges they face to highlighting the support systems available, each episode offers a glimpse into the lives of these remarkable individuals. Discover self-care strategies, advocacy efforts, and empowering narratives that aim to uplift and empower women veterans on their path to healing and recovery. Our podcast is a beacon of hope, a platform for connection, and a source of inspiration for women veterans seeking solidarity, understanding, and community. Join us on ”Silent Strength” as we amplify the voices, celebrate the resilience, and honor the silent strength of women veterans who continue to stand tall in the face of adversity. Together, let’s listen, learn, and support each other in this journey of healing and empowerment. read less
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Unveiling Untold Stories of Resilience
22-07-2024
Unveiling Untold Stories of Resilience
Silent Strength, women vets and Invisible Warriors VIEW RECORDING - 22 mins (No highlights) Introduction to Invisible Warriors @ 0:09 Nancy Becher introduces Invisible Warriors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women veterans dealing with PTSD, military trauma, and invisible illnesses. The organization aims to provide specialized resources and build a supportive community for these often overlooked heroes. Challenges Faced by Women Veterans @ 3:11 Women make up 17% of the U.S. military's active duty force, but face distinct challenges upon returning to civilian life. They struggle with reintegration, have higher rates of homelessness compared to male veterans, and often feel invisible or overlooked in predominantly male-oriented veteran spaces. Focus Areas: PTSD, Military Trauma, Invisible Illnesses @ 4:07 Invisible Warriors focuses on three key issues affecting women veterans: PTSD, military trauma, and invisible illnesses. These conditions can have devastating long-term impacts, but are often misunderstood or go unrecognized. Holistic Support Programs @ 10:23 Invisible Warriors takes a comprehensive approach to supporting women veterans, offering individual and group therapy, workshops on coping skills and reintegration, career counseling, and a range of holistic services including nutrition, fitness, and creative therapies. The organization also fosters a strong peer support network. Invisible Warriors Club: A Safe, Secure Online Community @ 11:43 Invisible Warriors has created the Invisible Warriors Club, a private, encrypted online platform where women can connect with others facing similar challenges without fear of their posts being taken down or their privacy violated. Upcoming Retreat and Funding Needs @ 17:45 Invisible Warriors is planning a 5-day outdoor retreat for women veterans, providing counseling, activities, and a supportive environment at no cost to participants. The organization is seeking sponsors and donors to fund this and other programs. Broader Impact and Call to Action @ 18:56 Invisible Warriors' work has the potential to transform lives and influence how veteran care is approached on a broader scale. The organization is advocating for systemic changes to better support women veterans, and invites volunteers and donors to join their important mission.
What It’s Like Living with an Invisible Disability: A Candid Conversation
29-09-2023
What It’s Like Living with an Invisible Disability: A Candid Conversation
Living with an invisible disability is a highly individualized experience, shaped by the nature and severity of the specific condition. These disabilities encompass a wide range of health issues, from chronic pain and mental health disorders to autoimmune diseases and neurological conditions. What sets them apart is their hidden nature, making it challenging for others to grasp the daily struggles and limitations faced by those affected. Often, individuals with invisible disabilities cope with fluctuating symptoms, which can disrupt their routines and require flexible accommodations. They frequently encounter skepticism, misunderstanding, and even stigma from society, adding emotional strain to their already complex journey. Self-advocacy becomes a crucial skill, as they navigate the need for accommodations, educate others about their condition, and strive to strike a balance between managing their health and pursuing their goals. Invisible disabilities can take a toll on a person's mental and emotional well-being, contributing to feelings of isolation and frustration. Despite these challenges, many individuals with invisible disabilities demonstrate remarkable resilience and determination, finding ways to adapt, seek treatment, and build supportive networks. The support and understanding of friends, family, employers, and healthcare providers play a vital role in helping them live fulfilling lives. Ultimately, recognizing and acknowledging the unique struggles and triumphs of those with invisible disabilities is essential to fostering empathy, inclusion, and a more supportive society. If you'd like more information or to get involved in helping advocate for these women, head on over to https://invisiblewarriors.org.
The Invisible Warrior Club
27-06-2023
The Invisible Warrior Club
One of every two adult Americans lives with at least one chronic illness (often called invisible illnesses). The disability community is the largest minority in the world. Yet, instead of feeling inclusive and wrapped in camaraderie, too many of us feel alone, less valued, and less worthy.  What We Want to Achieve:  a better-informed medical community that understands and respects us a travel industry that is educated on how best to serve the needs of this group of people a support network of family, friends, and colleagues affordable access to medications, procedures, and equipment regardless of insurance status  What We Do:  advocate for better treatment from the medical and travel industries provide a private online community for our Warriors to come together to support each other train the travel and hospitality industry on best practices for accessibility research and inform government agencies on better practices  How You Can Help:  help spread the word about Invisible Warriors and the support IW offers get informed on how to support those around you with chronic illnesses and disabilities provide financial support  What Donations are Used For:  supporting women who are struggling with chronic illness or autoimmune conditions, especially those running/creating their own businesses provide information and improved access to specialists in many fields (financial, medical, travel, moral) help bring them out of the shadows of illness and into the light maintain the virtual platforms to reach the largest number of women (over 15,000 were reached by these programs in 2022) developing publication of support manuals additional research, training, and public awareness.  No donations will be used for political or personal gain.
S3 EP5: The Blessings and Sadness of Chronic Illness with Erica Johansen
04-03-2023
S3 EP5: The Blessings and Sadness of Chronic Illness with Erica Johansen
Do you have small children fighting for their life? Do you struggle with health complications, or do your children struggle with health complications? Have you ever felt helpless in pain, suffered in silence, and wished you'd wake up from a bad dream? This is Erica Johansen's reality. Her infant son had brain cancer and has had 3 surgeries just to repair the damage from cancer and strokes. There are other complications she is faced with as well and she dives deep into what her family deals with every day. In this episode, Host Nancy Becher and her guest, Erica Johansen, talk about stigma and discrimination, caregiver fatigue, and patient and care advocacy. This heartfelt episode will pull on your heart strings as you hear about a little boy facing so many complications and a mother's fight to keep her world together. As a recognized speaker for national events such as HCIC and HIMSS conferences, Erica covers topics including patient engagement, patient experience, caregiver support, and how to leverage social media as a thought leader. She has also served as a board member for organizations including DFW HIMSS and Social Media Dallas. Additionally, Erica is a dedicated philanthropist and community leader. She completed the Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy program through the Communities Texas Foundation in 2019, maintains her partnership with Social Venture Partners Dallas, and recently launched a non-profit, August's Artists, to provide hospitalized children and their families with access to coloring materials and artwork that inspires healing. Don't suffer in silence! Contact Nancy today at invisiblewarriors.org. Website: http://augustsartists.org
S3 EP 4: Finding Beauty In Chronic Illness with Dr. Carly Hudson
19-02-2023
S3 EP 4: Finding Beauty In Chronic Illness with Dr. Carly Hudson
How does someone with a chronic illness make themselves feel beautiful or feel positive about themselves? How does someone who suffers in silence with chronic pain push themselves to put on a smile all day long? Are you tired of feeling like a victim or made to feel like one? In this episode, Dr. Carly Hudson talks about her journey and how she pushes past the pain to feel better. After everything she has been through, her mission to help others dodge the landmines that she stepped on while navigating her difficult chronic pain journey. Dr. Carly Hudson, D.C. attended University of the Western States and is a successful chiropractor who has been in practice for over six years. With additional certifications in massage, yoga, and exercise therapy, she helps hundreds of patients recover from injuries, illness, and chronic pain. Dr. Carly speaks of important philosophical shifts in self care, including what it takes to move from a focus on disease management to true health care and the practical things we can do for ourselves instead of the constant search for the silver bullet. As an infant, Dr. Carly suffered a life-threatening illness. She was left with “invisible disabilities” including balance disorders, muscle spasticity, and hearing loss. She had to begin again to learn how her body worked and so began her path of life-long learning and healing. With the gift of this injury, Dr. Carly has spent her life exploring how deliberate self care impacts our mind, body, and spirit. Listeners can sign up for Dr. Carly’s e-newsletter at healinggroundmovement.com and receive a free Guide to Rest, Recovery and Rejuvenation. Hear her podcast, Healing Ground Movement, at healinggroundmovement.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Connect with Healing Ground Movement on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Get exclusive content like her "Movement Moments" on the Healing Ground Movement YouTube channel. Facebook Instagram LinkedIn LinkedIn Podcast Blog E-newsletter sign up YouTube Pinterest Learn more about Nancy's mission at https://invisiblewarriors.org