Holding Onto Hope with Dr. Nick Maio Artwork

Untold Valor: Veterans Recovery in Action

Welcome to Untold Valor, a podcast with a unique focus on veterans with stories of courage, recovery, perseverance and strength. Listen as veterans share their perspectives on what it's like to battle mental health challenges, combat addictions, and overcome other adversities unique to those who have served. We'll also speak with experts who have valuable experience working with veterans through their recovery journeys. Our mission is to reach veterans with a message of recovery and hope. Untold Valor is made possible by Voice & Vision... Bringing help, hope and healing to individuals, families and communities affected by mental illness, addictions, and disabilities in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Voice & Vision's work with veterans began with one veteran meeting another who had mental health challenges and was very isolated. The impact of that relationship on both veterans was life-changing, and a mission to expand that work led to CompeerCORPS, a network of military veterans who provide peer mentoring friendships with other veterans. These veterans spend time together each week promoting mental health and substance use recovery through the healing power of camaraderie, support and friendship. Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans' Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Resources: Voice & Vision: https://voiceandvisioninc.org/ CompeerCORPS: https://voiceandvisioninc.org/compeercorps/ #Recovery #WholisticHealth #Community #podcasting #podcasts #podcastcommunity #podcasterthoughts #veterans #camaraderie #support #friendship #mentalhealth #mentoring #UntoldValor #help #hope #healing #individuals #families #communities #mental illness #addictions #disabilities #battle #courage #recovery #perseverance #strength #life #lifechanging #brokenness #willingness #understanding #therapy #communication #thriving #success #negativethoughts #win #openness #suicide #family

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Untold Valor: Veterans Recovery in Action

Holding Onto Hope with Dr. Nick Maio

January 05, 2024 • Voice & Vision, Inc. & CompeerCORPS

Dr. Nick Maio is joining us to kick off the new year. He is here to share his story, from an unstable early life to a challenging military deployment to Iraq, which left him vulnerable to PTSD. Ultimately, Nick was able to overcome depression, anxiety, and substance abuse through the support of his loved ones and VA resources.

Listen in as he shares how he reclaimed his life, became a chiropractor, and now serves as a resource for veterans in Bucks County, PA. In addition to his inspiring story, this episode also features essential resources for veterans, including the YMCA Veteran’s Wellness Program, Shamrock Reins for Equine Therapy, and more.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 - Intro
2:29 – Nick’s path to the military
5:56 - Nick’s struggle with addiction and PTSD
11:15 - The “three Jenns” that saved Nick’s life
17:07 – Nick’s advice for moving forward from trauma
22:40 – Free chiropractic care through the VA + additional resources

Dr. Nick Maio

Dr. Nick Maio, a former Army National Guard medic, embarked on his military journey in 2003 in Petersburg, Virginia, deploying to Iraq in 2005 with a military police unit. While his time spent in Iraq was difficult, the following three years proved to be the toughest, marked by depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, which led to isolation from family and the military. That all changed when he got a call from a New Jersey National Guard unit mobilizing to Iraq.

In 2008, he began training for his second tour in Iraq. This was a challenge for Dr. Nick, as he was still battling substance abuse and lost two close friends tragically while training in Texas. Instead of a deployment, he was admitted to the VA hospital in Coatesville, PA, for substance abuse treatment. Completing the PTSD program and spending months in a homeless domiciliary, he gradually rebuilt his life.

It was not easy, but with a lot of persistence and support from both the VA and family, Dr. Nick reclaimed his life, met his wife, and became a chiropractor. Today, he helps people who are suffering daily and credits his suffering with providing him with a wealth of empathy which he uses to connect with and help his patient population.

EPISODE LINKS

YMCA Veterans Wellness Program: https://bit.ly/48lpUVN

Shamrock Reins Horse Farm with PTSD Therapy: https://shamrockreins.org/

Chase Bank Resources: https://www.chase.com/digital/military/personal

Chalfont VFW Resources: https://www.chalfont-vfw.com/

RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.