Will

I served in the U.S. Navy from June 1995 through October 2017, and served in both the enlisted and officer ranks. I am married (2nd marriage) and have 2 children, ages 20 and 22, from my first marriage.

  

I have experienced 10+ concussions that occurred prior to, and during my military service.  These caused or exacerbated symptoms such as irritability, low distress tolerance, anxiety, dizziness, chronic pain, headaches, balance issues, memory loss, lack of focus, poor executive function, social communications issues, neurological issues, insomnia, convergence insufficiency, and more.

  

At the end of treatment (late October), I could tell that I was in a much better place than where I started. The treatment the team provided me, helped to mitigate the symptoms I entered the program with. I learned to recognize when I was in a stressful situation and how to manage that stress without an outburst. I learned how to manage and deal with pain, and how to work out safely to improve my overall physical health. The mindfulness and meditation practices have been invaluable, and the tools that I learned in speech therapy have improved my overall quality of life at home and at work. 

  

All of that is to say this: there is no magic pill. Since this is all a continuing practice, I'm not "cured," but I'm always getting better as long as I put in the work. Now, in January of 2024, I have continued to put in the work and I'm very happy with where I am, but there is more to do. I am confident that I will continue to improve and use the practices that I learned from this program. The great thing about it is, is that help is always there, from alumni groups, members of my cohort, and the terrific staff at the UF Health Brain Wellness Program. I am proud to be a graduate of the program and I continue to refer others to so that they can receive the same help that I received.