In Honor of Mental Health Awareness Month -
When I look back on my life, I think about the people who were once part of my journey but are no longer here.
I remember checking into my team for the first time. One of my leaders stood out right away. He was older, had multiple deployments under his belt, and carried himself with confidence. On the surface, he was everything you would want in a leader: motivated, capable, and always willing to help. As the new guy, whenever I had questions, he had answers. He was constantly moving, setting up training, making sure everything was dialed in. Just an all-around great guy.
Then one morning, I walked into work like any other day. But this time, we had a command meeting. The night before, he had taken his own life.
At first, it did not feel real. There was no way. He was good… right? Then the guilt hit. What could I have done? How did I miss it?
He was strong. He was capable. But he needed help. The kind of help you cannot see. His struggle was happening deep in his mind, hidden from all of us. And by the time we realized, it was too late.
In our line of work, this is not uncommon. Mental health struggles run deep. Guys are constantly exposed to traumatic brain injuries from blast waves and repeated impacts. It takes a toll. Over time, it became such a serious issue that our command brought in a dedicated counselor. I watched guys go in and out of that office every single day. I still wonder how many lives were saved because someone made the decision to walk through that door.
I have had my own battles too. Years of depression. Anxiety that never really shuts off. Sleep that never fully comes. The smallest noise and I am wide awake, ready to move. Some nights I wake up eight to ten times, only to face the next day already exhausted. My mind racing, my body drained, my frustration building.
This lived experience, the daily struggle, and the people I served alongside are the reason I cofound Thumos.
Enough is enough. Brain health is declining, and the data shows it. Since the 1970s, rates of cognitive decline have nearly tripled. Every day, we lose friends and family to suicide.
Thumos is not a cure all. It does not replace the hard conversations we need to have when someone is struggling. It does not replace quality sleep. It is not a miracle solution.
But it is a tool.
It is something that is built on science to support brain health. It is one step toward fighting back against the decline we are seeing.
My hope is that we begin to turn the tide. That we start to see a reversal in what feels like a growing crisis in brain health. I believe Thumos can be part of that story.
I take it every day, and so do the people closest to me. Whether you try it or not, just remember this. If you are struggling, talk to someone. You are not alone. People care about you.
God bless.