SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – A retired Navy physician is launching a community initiative that invites the public to nominate deserving veterans to receive complimentary mental health treatment sessions.
Dr. Sarah Secor-Jones, founder and CEO of Lesh Lifestyle, an integrative medical practice, announced the program in recognition of PTSD Awareness Month in June. The initiative offers free EXOMIND sessions to veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health challenges.
Many veterans continue to carry the invisible effects of chronic stress, trauma and nervous system overload long after their military service ends, according to Secor-Jones. The overall lifetime prevalence of PTSD for U.S. veterans is roughly 7%, though the percentage varies significantly by era, deployment and gender.
Understanding PTSD and chronic stress
PTSD does not always present dramatically, Secor-Jones said. It can show up as sleep problems, irritability, difficulty concentrating, emotional numbness, anxiety, hypervigilance or simply feeling different than before.
Many people associate PTSD exclusively with combat veterans, but the condition can affect anyone who has experienced trauma, including first responders, healthcare workers, survivors of accidents and victims of abuse.
Chronic stress affects more than mental health. Research continues to show connections between prolonged stress and physical health concerns including cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, immune system changes and hormone imbalances.
What is EXOMIND?
EXOMIND is a noninvasive, physician-guided neuromodulation technology that uses transcranial magnetic stimulation to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, focus, motivation, emotional processing and resilience. It does not require medication, anesthesia or downtime.
The technology is based on TMS, which has been studied for decades and is FDA-cleared under specific protocols for conditions including major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, smoking cessation and migraine with aura.
One common misconception is that TMS is similar to electroconvulsive therapy. It is a different treatment that does not require anesthesia, sedation or recovery time.
EXOMIND is not intended to replace therapy, medication or mental health care, but may serve as a complementary tool within a comprehensive wellness approach, according to Secor-Jones.
The brain remains capable of change throughout life through a process called neuroplasticity, which is one reason technologies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation have generated growing interest in the medical community.
Personal connection to veteran mental health
Secor-Jones’ passion for the work is both professional and personal. Her brother died in battle, and she is close to six veterans who committed suicide related to PTSD. She has also struggled with military-related PTSD herself.
The nomination program was inspired not only by her service as a Navy physician but also by her family’s personal experience with the long-term effects of military-related stress and mental health struggles.
Veterans often report that one of the hardest parts of transitioning out of military service is losing the built-in sense of mission, structure and community that military life provides.
How to nominate a veteran
The goal of the initiative is to increase awareness, reduce stigma surrounding mental health and encourage veterans to seek support without shame.
The nomination program is about more than selecting one veteran. The broader goal is to spark conversations, reduce stigma and remind veterans and their families that support is available.
People can nominate a veteran by going to leshlifestyle.com
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