A Corner of Hope: Turning to Faith and Family, a Servicemember’s Dream Lives On

Posted by Jim Hardiman, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Jim Hardiman is a licensed clinical social worker and substance abuse counselor. Prior to joining DCoE, he served as a regional care coordinator for the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center. He has provided mental health services for patients and their families for more than two decades. Hardiman writes a monthly post for the DCoE Blog on various psychological health conditions affecting servicemembers, veterans and their families—offering encouragement and “A Corner of Hope” for readers.

Mike was very proud being a member of the military.

He was living his lifelong dream and well on his way to accomplishing his goals of promotion and a career of military service. His family was very supportive and proud of his accomplishments, attitude and work ethic. He enjoyed being the provider for his wife and children, and was as solid a family man as I’ve ever known.

It was not until he was deployed that his world changed suddenly and drastically. When Mike’s vehicle was struck by another vehicle, he temporarily lost consciousness. Mike initially thought he would just “shake the cobwebs loose,” but while hospitalized he was diagnosed with a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). As a result, his short term memory was impaired; he experienced fatigue, frequent headaches, difficulty processing information and finding words to express his thoughts.

What now? He had planned for a long military career and was actually studying for his promotion exam at the time of his injury. “Will I be able to continue in the military? How will this affect my life and family?” These were a few of the questions that flooded his mind.

Mike turned to his faith, his family and the expertise of his health care team who recommended that he receive formal TBI treatment. He and his family took advantage of treatment including; neurocognitive therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy and family counseling. Mike was determined to recover to the level he was at prior to his injury and continue his military goals. For several months, he worked really hard to return to peak performance.

Upon completion of treatment, Mike went before a formal medical board to assess his fitness to return to duty. He was denied. Although devastated by the news, Mike saw it as an opportunity. He took it as a personal challenge to overcome these circumstances – he’d go before the board again for another evaluation. He continued with a treatment plan that included neurcognitive exercises he could do at home.

Six months later, Mike went in front of the medical board again but this time Mike was different. He was cleared to continue the work he loved. It gets better. Mike called me months later and said he not only received the promotion he was striving for, but was being transferred to his home state to work as an instructor.

You might say that this outcome is not a typical outcome. But who is to say that you aren’t the next person to succeed when you reach out for help.

After a TBI, so many parts of life can seem uncontrollable. Mike experienced set-backs, disappointments and obstacles. The key to Mike’s success was taking charge of his recovery. He used his strengths: faith, family, friends and his dream to accomplish what in the eyes of many seemed no longer possible. If you or someone you care about is experiencing the effects of a TBI or psychological condition, please know there is help available. The DCoE Outreach Center is accessible 24/7 to connect you to resources.

Until next time,

Jim Hardiman