Breaking the Silence: Eating Disorder, Military Culture, Suicide Prevention | Leah Stiles | SeaWaves скачать в хорошем качестве

Breaking the Silence: Eating Disorder, Military Culture, Suicide Prevention | Leah Stiles | SeaWaves

Episode Description: Leah Stiles, retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief and founder of Sea Waves, joins the VET S.O.S. Network for a powerful and deeply personal conversation addressing one of the most overlooked crises in the military and veteran community—eating disorders and their connection to suicide prevention, readiness, and transition. In this episode, Leah shares her lived experience, leadership journey, and the creation of the nation’s first nonprofit exclusively focused on eating disorders in the military and veteran population. Together, we unpack the cultural stigma, policy gaps, and life-saving education leaders must understand to better support service members and veterans. In this episode, we unpack: • Why eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates among mental health conditions • How military culture, weight standards, and trauma contribute to hidden struggles • The link between eating disorders, PTSD, and suicide risk • What leaders, clinicians, families, and peers can do to recognize warning signs and take action Whether you're navigating the military-to-civilian transition, serving in a leadership role, supporting veterans, or seeking mental health resources, this conversation delivers real, actionable insight that can save lives. About the Guest: Leah Stiles is a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief with over 20 years of service in military public affairs. She is the founder and CEO of Sea Waves, the nation’s first nonprofit dedicated exclusively to addressing eating disorders within the military and veteran community through education, advocacy, and access to care. Leah is also the author of Battle Scars & Body Wars, an upcoming book illuminating the hidden battle of eating disorders in uniformed service. Chapters: 0:00 – Welcome & Mission Reminder 0:30 – Guest Introduction: Leah Stiles 2:15 – Military Transition & Identity After Service 6:45 – The Hidden Crisis of Eating Disorders in Uniform 12:30 – Statistics, Suicide Risk & Cultural Stigma 18:45 – Leadership Responsibility & Education Gaps 24:30 – Sea Waves Mission & the Lighthouse Symbol 31:00 – Policy, Advocacy & the SERVE Act 36:45 – Resources, Training & How to Get Help 41:30 – Final Thoughts & Lifeline Message Grab the Lifeline: VET S.O.S. connects veterans, service members, and military spouses with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive. Don’t drown in the sea of transition — grab the lifeline. Explore More Episodes: VET S.O.S. VET S.O.S. — Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight) VET S.O.S. — Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight) VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop Connect with VET S.O.S.: Website: vetsospodcast.com YouTube: @vetsospodcast TikTok: @vetsospodcast LinkedIn: VET S.O.S. Instagram: @vetsospodcast Facebook: @vetsospodcast X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast #VETSOS #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #EatingDisorderAwareness #SuicidePrevention #VeteranSupport #MentalHealthMatters #MilitaryLeadership #SeaWaves #GrabTheLifeline