Cooper the Lab

MilSpouse, dogMom, UGA fan, saltlife fan

[Happy Captain @EODHappyCaptain]

As I’m putting my kids to bed this evening, I want to remind you that you matter.

Believe it or not, there are people out there that are rooting for your success; people that want to see you do your best.

There are resources out there if you are suffering.

The world is better with you in it.

[988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline @988Lifeline]

Your well-being matters, whatever today may bring.

Ask for support. Take things one step at a time. Give yourself grace. You're worthy of healing and care.

[Happy Captain @EODHappyCaptain]

Today marks the beginning of Suicide Prevention Month.

If you’ve followed my account for any amount of time, you know that suicide prevention is a cause that’s near to my heart. The EOD community is disproportionally hit by suicides in the military. I wish I knew the reason why.

What I can tell you, is that I’ve lost more friends to suicide at this point in my career than I have to combat. That’s a sobering thought.

I speak about it, because it’s important to talk about. I’ve been a first responder to a suicide in the barracks. I’ve put a Soldier in my car and driven them to the ER where they expressed suicidal ideations. He’s now living his best life. I’ve taken late night calls and texts.

There is a whole world out there waiting to be lived in. There are people rooting for you to live your best life.

I’m one of them.

[Happy Captain @EODHappyCaptain]

If you’re reading this, pick up your phone and call or text an old military buddy you haven’t spoken to in a while. Ask them how they are doing.

I was invited and spent some time today at the Texas Suicide Prevention Symposium (@StopTXSuicides).

There, I had the opportunity to speak directly with the Acting Director of the Defense Suicide Prevention Office based out of DC.

It’s awesome to know that there are organizations out there doing everything they can do reduce and eliminate suicide within the ranks.

[HHS @HHSGov]

Your reminder for the weekend:

Put away the screens.
Get outdoors.

Get Active.

[Happy Captain @EODHappyCaptain]

I wanted to say thank you to everyone who took the time to read this and comment on it.

If you’re going through a hard time, reach out to a friend or go see behavioral health. Don’t try and suffer alone.

[MEDPROS Center of Excellence @Asst_to_the_RM]

June is PTSD Awareness Month. If you're struggling, remember that ignoring the problem won't make it disappear. Getting help for your mental health is your responsibility & no one else’s. Don’t make your inaction for help become someone else’s problem.

[Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao @SECNAV]

You may not see my scars, but they are there.

I know trauma. I know pain. I also know that seeking help is a sign of strength. I did, and you can too.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, I remain committed to breaking down barriers to care for our Sailors and Marines.

You are always worth fighting for.

[Tim Tebow @TimTebow]

Attitude is a choice.
Gratitude is a discipline.
Bitterness is expensive.

Nobody accidentally has a great attitude.
Nobody stumbles into gratitude.
And nobody means to end up bitter, it just quietly moves in when you stop choosing something better.
Guard your peace like it cost you something.
Because it did.

[Happy Captain @EODHappyCaptain]

@SECNAV gave an amazing speech last night at the EOD Memorial Ball. Zero politics.

Instead, he focused on the suicide rate in the EOD ranks, which is the highest in the military.

He spoke about mental health.

He spoke about traumatic brain injury.

He spoke about the strength that is required to get evaluated for blast exposure.

His speech landed with the EOD community because he talked about something that isn’t spoken about enough…taking care of yourself.

[988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline @988Lifeline]

When you reach out to 988, you'll connect with real people who care. Our skilled, caring counselors are available 24/7 to provide judgment-free, compassionate support. Call, text, or chat 988. https://t.co/6JpO2XQcCY

[The Buddy CSM @TheBuddyCSM]

https://t.co/XhwcKniaCJ

[Cooper the Lab @rj199572]

@EODHappyCaptain I am so very sorry for your loss

[988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline @988Lifeline]

Small steps are still progress 💜

[The Buddy CSM @TheBuddyCSM]

The earlier in life you can figure out how to be a team player, the better off you will be professionally and personally.

[Cooper the Lab @rj199572]

@rArmyReddit https://t.co/zJoTHKrZuI offers free confidential peer support and access to resources

[Cooper the Lab @rj199572]

@SgtMajFrench I am so sorry- no words can express how sad I am to hear this

[Cooper the Lab @rj199572]

@OPTester_Chris ✅