Brothers in arms: Survived tours in Afghanistan — but not PTSD.

Hello friends and others from across the globe, I write this post this morning with extreme sadness, beyond what I can describe.

It is about the death of two brothers, both who served their country and gave their all. BUT THEIR COUNTRY FAILED TO SERVE THEM.

Ron and Ryan Anderson both survived tours in Afghanistan — but not PTSD.

Although I have not served in the military, I know people who have. I also know the terrible, terrible experience of living life, with a mental health illness, PTSD, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, INSOMNIA, ETC.

I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT IT IS LIKE TO FEEL, YOU CAN'T TRUST ANYONE, INCLUDING YOURSELF. You put your trust in others who are suppose to be medical professionals, you beg, cry, scream and get angry...just fucking asking them to please help you!!

YOU TELL THEM OVER AND OVER AGAIN I DON'T WANT TO DIE, BUT YOUR PLEAS FALL ON DEAF EARS, as you are given no empathy, no compassion, and no understanding (how could they if they have not walked in your shoes) But how can the standard answer to your life and death problems, be another drug, another pill they keep saying will help you.

This is my story, this is Ron & Ryan's story and the thousand and thousand of others like me and like them.

This past Sunday was my 80th trip to a hospital ER for cardiac related issues in just over 3 years, so I personally know how Ron & Ryan and their families anguish, as they watch a loved one die.

THIS IS WHY I AM FOUNDING THESE GAMES, FOR ALL THE RON'S & RYAN'S AND OTHERS TOO.

WITH 1/3 OF MILITARY ME MEMBERS EXPERIENCING PTSD AND 22% ATTEMPTING SUICIDE OR HAVE TAKEN THEIR OWN LIVES. THIS IS WHY THE COURAGE & STRENGTH GAMES, I KNOW WILL HELP SO MANY SURVIVE.

Being able to give back to members that have given, so much to us individually and a country. Is what my vision of these games are.

The Courage & Strength Games for mental health, is not just another pomp and show case event, of persons overcoming struggles.

It is a commitment to those who struggle and to their loved ones too. It is a commitment to communities, with programs and resources associated with the games.

MIA is just such one program, we all know what the term MIA means to military families and friends. However I also know what it means in a different sense.

In Ron's own words this is what MIA means:

"I haven't been a father since I came home from Afghanistan. 

"I can't help it."

The MIA Program associated with The Courage & Strength Games, for mental health, is:

MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE AWARENESS.

Through the ability of fundraising and the contributions of both governments and corporations the MIA Program will provide the necessary resources and counselling these military members deserve.

Counselling for grief & loss, family counselling, individual counselling, anger management, relationship counselling and substance abuse counselling. As well Peer Support lead aspects.

So, the Ryan's and Ron's of the world can become a father, husband, son and friend again.

If you want to help me, help shine a brighter light on mental health, please PM me, email, or call/text [email protected] 778-917-6166

https://www.facebook.com/thecourageandstrengthgames/

daniel pressello

founder "The Courage & Strength Games," for mental health.