In this compelling episode with retired Major General Gregg F. Martin, he candidly shares his personal experiences and insights, shedding light on the evolving landscape of mental health care within the armed forces. From addressing PTSD and depression to grappling with complex challenges like traumatic brain injury, survivor’s guilt, moral injury, and bipolar disorder, his story reflects the resilience and strength that defines our veterans.
We discuss the pressing need to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the military community and society at large. By fostering open dialogue and understanding, we aim to make meaningful strides in supporting our veterans on their mental health journeys.
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“By sharing my story, I hope to break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage others to seek the help they deserve.”
GREGG F. MARTIN
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Listen Notes, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube below.
Battling Bipolar: Maj. Gen. Gregg F. Martin’s Remarkable Journey
Major General Gregg F. Martin’s life story is a testament to resilience, unwavering determination, and the triumph of the human spirit. With a distinguished 36-year career in the US Army, he held leadership roles and commanded units in combat, including during the Iraq War. Yet, beneath the uniform and medals, Major General Martin confronted a different kind of battle – bipolar disorder.
Discover how Major General Gregg F. Martin faced and conquered the challenges of bipolar disorder, a condition often cloaked in stigma and emerged as a symbol of hope for others navigating similar struggles. In this conversation, he candidly shares his experiences, from the battlefield to his personal life, where the unwavering support of his family played a pivotal role in his journey of recovery.
General Martin’s compelling journey underscores the power of resilience, the importance of seeking assistance, and the urgency of dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights from a truly inspirational story, and learn how one individual’s determination is making a profound difference in the lives of countless others.
Don’t miss this riveting conversation that transcends military service, delves into mental health advocacy, and celebrates the indomitable strength of the human spirit. Join us as we honor Major General Gregg F. Martin’s unwavering commitment to shattering the silence and stigma surrounding bipolar disorder and mental health challenges.
In this episode, you’ll learn about:
- Major General Gregg F. Martin’s remarkable 36-year military career, including leadership roles and combat commands during the Iraq War.
- How he faced and conquered bipolar disorder, a condition often clouded in stigma, emerging as a symbol of hope for others.
- The crucial role of family support in his personal journey of recovery.
- The power of resilience and the significance of seeking assistance in overcoming mental health challenges.
- The urgent need to dismantle mental health stigma and foster understanding and compassion.
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Celebrating ‘Bipolar General’: A Journey of Resilience and Hope
As General Gregg F. Martin reveals, the structured and regimented life of the military initially provided guardrails that helped him stay on track. However, as his mania and bipolar disorder intensified, these parameters could no longer contain the storm within. General Martin candidly shares his experiences with various treatments, including medications, electrical convulsive therapy, and, ultimately, the success he found with lithium.
The episode also delves into the sobering topic of veteran suicide. This crisis has claimed over 145,000 lives during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, as discovered by Marine Corps officer Chuck Smith. While the military has made progress in recognizing and treating conditions like PTSD, depression, traumatic brain injury, survivor’s guilt, and moral injury, there is still much work to be done in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
General Martin’s message is one of empowerment and advocacy. He encourages veterans to enroll in VA services, take ownership of their mental health journey, and become their own advocates. He shares his five “P’s” for managing mental health: preparation, planning, perseverance, presence, and being present.
Ultimately, General Gregg Martin’s mission is to break the stigma, promote recovery, and save lives by sharing his own inspirational journey. Join us in this enlightening conversation that sheds light on the struggles of mental health in the military and the importance of embracing one’s diagnosis to work towards a healthier, happier life.
Thanks, Gregg F. Martin
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Resources From The Show With Maj. Gen. Gregg F. Martin
Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. It’s just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!
- Website: https://www.generalgreggmartin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greggmartin79/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregg-f-martin-222735aa/
- Major General Gregg F. Martin ‘s Book: ‘Bipolar General: My Forever War with Mental Illness.’
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – A leading organization providing information, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions. Website: https://www.nami.org/Home
- An online resource offering information, tools, and resources related to mental health and mental illness. Website: www.mentalhealth.gov
- Veterans Crisis Line – A 24/7 confidential support line for veterans and their families in crisis. Phone: 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1): https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) – A national organization providing support, education, and advocacy for people living with mood disorders. Website: www.dbsalliance.org
- Wounded Warrior Project – An organization that offers a variety of programs, services, and resources for wounded veterans. Website: www.woundedwarriorproject.org
- Give an Hour – A nonprofit organization offering free mental health services to military personnel, veterans, and their families. Website: www.giveanhour.org
- Military OneSource – A Department of Defense program that provides resources, counseling, and support to service members and their families. Website: www.militaryonesource.mil
- The Mighty – An online community and resource platform where people share their stories and experiences related to mental health and various health conditions. Website: www.themighty.com
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – A government agency focused on research and education about mental health disorders. Website: www.nimh.nih.gov
- Psychology Today – An online resource that allows users to find therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups in their area. Website: www.psychologytoday.com
- The National Council for Behavioral Health – An organization dedicated to advocating for policies and practices that support individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. Website: www.thenationalcouncil.org
- Bipolar UK – A charity organization in the UK providing support and information to individuals and families affected by bipolar disorder. Website: www.bipolaruk.org.uk
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – A government agency offering a wide range of resources related to mental health and substance abuse. Website: www.samhsa.gov
- VA Mental Health Services – Information and resources provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans seeking mental health support. Website: www.mentalhealth.va.gov
- Dive into Amy Edmondson’s insights on failure and learning, including the significance of teamwork and self-awareness.
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My solo episode on why you need to stop chasing perfection: https://passionstruck.com/stop-chasing-perfection/
Want to catch my best interviews from 2022? Check out episode 233 on intentional greatness and episode 234 on intentional behavior change.
Watch my interview with Dr. Mark Hyman on how to defy aging: https://passionstruck.com/dr-mark-hyman-secrets-to-living-young-forever/
Catch my interview with Dr. Amy Shah on how you can control your food cravings: https://passionstruck.com/dr-amy-shah-you-can-control-your-food-cravings/
My solo episode on why micro choices matter: https://passionstruck.com/why-your-micro-choices-determine-your-life/
About Today’s Guest, Major General Gregg F. Martin (Ret.)
Gregg F. Martin, PhD, Major General, US Army (Retired), served on active duty for 36 years, until May 2015. He is a combat veteran, Bipolar Survivor, Airborne Ranger, engineer, qualified soldier, and Army strategist.
He holds a Ph.D. and two master’s degrees from MIT, master’s degrees in national security strategy from both the Army and Naval war colleges and a bachelor’s degree from West Point. He commanded an engineering company, battalion, the 130th Engineer Brigade in combat during the first year of the Iraq War in 2003-04, including the attack from Kuwait, up the Euphrates River Valley, to Baghdad and beyond.
He served multiple overseas tours, and, as a general officer, commanded the Corps of Engineers Northwest Division, was Commandant of the Army Engineer School, commanded Fort Leonard Wood, was Deputy Commanding General of Third Army/US Army Central, Commandant of the Army War College, President of National Defense University, and Special Assistant to the Chief of Engineers. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal (twice), the Bronze Star Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.
He is married with three sons, two of whom are Army combat veterans and one an artist. His daughter-in-law is also an Army combat veteran. His wife is an “Army brat” and heroine for persevering through their Army career and surviving and overcoming their bipolar ordeal, which has been the toughest fight of their lives. They live in Cocoa Beach, FL, where he is writing, speaking, and sharing his story of “battling bipolar disorder” to help save lives and stop the stigma.
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