In this week’s episode of # I Won’t Fall 2 PTSD - Stranded at the Airport & Using art to maintain my sanity - Miguel shares how he was able to use art to stopped him from losing his mind while waiting at the airport for over 12 hours, after a last minute trip. From this trip he learned a few lessons and a sense of service that sometimes seems lost once service members leave the Armed Forces. You can find out more info about Miguel A. Lopez here: www.artbylopz.com Instagram: @artbylopz @lopezmiguelofficial Be part of the #iWontFall2PTSD family by subscribing to the podcast and following us on social media! @iwontfall2ptsdpodcast Our parent company 1 One 9 music by Franco Magistro If you have any questions or topics you'd like to explore please don't hesitate and send us a message @iwontfall2ptsdpodcast #1one9 Veteran of the Week: US Army SFC Camacho, Felix Disclaimer: Just a reminder this podcast and all information is for educational purposes.  Please consult with a professional to review your own situation. There are phone numbers and links in the show notes.  If you feel like you’re in immediate harm please call 911 Support Information Elisaul Perez Counselor, MS, LMHC (Offers online therapy) Tel: 305.290.4936 E:[email protected] Veterans Crisis Line: Tel: 1-800-273-8255 (press 1) Tex: 838255 24/7, Confidential Support for Veterans & their loved ones. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Tel: 1-800-273-8255 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/iwontfall2ptsd/support

Remember back in high school when your English teacher had the entire class free writing for 5 minutes? Have you ever done that drawing? With your eyes closed? Well, on this episode of #iWontFall2PTSD you’ll get the opportunity of doing just that. SSG Lopez will guide you through the simple, yet challenging process. There are some strong emotional and personal anecdotes involved in this episode. We suggest discretion while listening. SSG Lopez breaks down the importance of doing this exercise in his journey of battening PTSD. There are just a few simple steps: Gather some drawing materials (ex: paper, marker, etc) Make sure you’re in a safe and no distraction environment Do something to distract your mind for a few minutes (ex: write a letter, listen to music, do some military push ups, read, etc) Bring your drawing materials together, close your eyes, and for 1 minute (set a timer) just draw what’s in your mind at the moment. Don’t worry about the quality of the sketch. It doesn’t matter On the sketch, write how you were feeling prior to that moment. On a seperate line, write your emotions/feelings after opening your eyes and looking at your master piece (ex: surprised, unstoppable laughter,, etc) Save it on your “love me book” to reference later Please share with us how this process worked or didn’t work for you. We’d love to hear from you. You can find out more info about Miguel A. Lopez here: Instagram: @artbylopz @lopezmiguelofficial Music by: Franco Magistro  Be part of the #iWontFall2PTSD family by subscribing to the podcast and following us on social media! Instagram: @1one9.vet If you have any questions or topics you'd like to explore please don't hesitate and send us a message [email protected] #1one9 Veteran of the Week: US Army Veteran CPT. Yegerov, Vadim Disclaimer: Just a reminder this podcast and all information is for educational purposes.  Please consult with a professional to review your own situation. There are phone numbers and links in the show notes.  If you feel like you’re in immediate harm please call 911 Veterans Crisis Line: Tel: 1-800-273-8255 (press 1) Tex: 838255 24/7, Confidential Support for Veterans & their loved ones. Mental Health VA National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Tel: 1-800-273-8255 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/iwontfall2ptsd/support

In this episode of #iWontFall2PTSD, our host opens up and answer these questions and more: When did you start recognizing those symptoms related to PTSD? What made it so difficult to understand the reason behind the “episodes”? Why should someone listen to a close friend/family when they show concern about our mental health? How has art helped you throughout this journey? What’s the reason behind your black and white military inspired paintings? You can find out more info about Miguel A. Lopez here: Instagram: @artbylopz @lopezmiguelofficial Music by: Franco Magistro  Be part of the #iWontFall2PTSD family by subscribing to the podcast and following us on social media! Instagram: @1one9.vet If you have any questions or topics you'd like to explore please don't hesitate and send us a message [email protected] Disclaimer: Just a reminder this podcast and all information is for educational purposes.  Please consult with a professional to review your own situation. There are phone numbers and links in the show notes.  If you feel like you’re in immediate harm please call 911 Veterans Crisis Line: Tel: 1-800-273-8255 (press 1) Tex: 838255 24/7, Confidential Support for Veterans & their loved ones. Mental Health VA National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Tel: 1-800-273-8255 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/iwontfall2ptsd/support

Join host, Miguel A. Lopez, for the introduction to 1 One 9's #iWontFall2PTSD podcast, in which he introduces himself, discuss background, our mission and purpose, touches a bit on mental health & family. ABOUT OUR HOST: Miguel A. Lopez(Lopz) is a professional Visual Artist & Veterans Advocate with more than 15+ years of military service. "Art+Military+Mental Health defines who I am."  Painting it's that one aspect in life that helps him cope with everything. The us of colors - or lack of - while painting portraitures or military inspired paintings lets the viewer merge into his world. It lets you think beyond the work itself by taking you deeper into what he's been through. He calls it, "Mental Balance" "Mental Balance through painting is my way of letting you know that it's ok to feel pain, but you have to let it go. Remember but continue moving on. Cherishing each day and do that one thing that always brought light into your life, and everything else will fall into place...eventually." ~ Miguel A. Lopez You can find out more info about Miguel A. Lopez here: www.artbylopz.com Instagram: @artbylopz @lopezmiguelofficial Be part of the #iWontFall2PTSD family by subscribing to the podcast and following us on social media! Instagram: www.instagram.com/1one9.vet If you have any questions or topics you'd like to explore please don't hesitate and send us a message [email protected]  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/iwontfall2ptsd/support