Having A Father With PTSD: A Drill Sergeant In The Military And A Drill Sergeant At Home

Melvin Brown is a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, one of 2.5 million that fought in one or the other, let alone both. He is also one of an estimated 500,000 of those veterans with PTSD. With a family to stick by his side, you could say he’s one of the lucky ones, but what about his family? His son recalls, “He would always be upset…a lot of negative emotions. He would put the blame on myself, my brother, my sister, my mom. That was just how he was. He was a drill sergeant in the military, and he would bring that drill sergeant home.”

Watch Melvin’s journey from substance abuse and insomnia to learning the Transcendental Meditation technique and finding peace.

“I experienced some gruesome things there…I started having nightmares. I didn’t have any idea it was going to turn into the terrible thing it turned into…I woke up one day as an alcoholic, out of control… And I was looking for anything that would help me cope.”

The Video: Melvin Brown was offered the Transcendental Meditation technique through the David Lynch Foundation’s Operation Warrior Wellness Program. Initial studies on the TM technique and PTSD have shown 40-55% reduction in symptoms of PTSD and depression; 42% decrease in insomnia; 30% improvement in satisfaction with quality of life; and more. Did you know you can sponsor a veteran to learn the TM technique?

The Technique: Transcendental Meditation is a simple, natural, effortless technique practiced 20 minutes twice each day while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. It is easy to learn and enjoyable to practice, and is not a religion, philosophy, or lifestyle. Over six million people have learned it — people of all ages, cultures, and religions — and over 380 published research studies have found that the TM technique markedly reduces stress, anxiety, and fatigue, and promotes balanced functioning of mind and body.