Living Through the Hell of War | Kelsi Sheren | EP 446

Kelsi Sheren: Living Through the Hell of War

In this episode of the podcast, Lex Fridman speaks with Kelsi Sheren, a distinguished Canadian veteran, CEO of Brass & Unity, and author of "Brass & Unity: One Woman's Journey Through the Hell of Afghanistan and Back." Sheren shares her harrowing experiences in Afghanistan, the challenges of returning to civilian life, and her path to healing through various means, including psychedelics.

Core Concepts and Philosophies

**Empathy and Resilience:** Sheren emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in both military and civilian contexts. She discusses how experiencing and witnessing trauma can shape one's worldview and underscores the necessity of resilience in overcoming these challenges.

**Mental Health Awareness:** Highlighting the stigma surrounding mental health, Sheren advocates for open discussions and acceptance of mental health issues, particularly PTSD, which she and many veterans experience. She stresses that acknowledging and addressing these issues is crucial for recovery and well-being.

Practical Strategies and Advice

• Embracing Vulnerability: Sheren advises embracing vulnerability as a strength. Sharing personal struggles can foster deeper connections and provide a support system essential for healing.
• Therapeutic Practices: She discusses the benefits of various therapeutic practices, including traditional therapy, group therapy, and alternative treatments like psychedelics, which have helped her in processing trauma.
• Building Community: Establishing a supportive community, whether through veteran groups, therapy sessions, or social networks, is crucial for those dealing with trauma.

Supporting Evidence

Sheren's approach is supported by her personal experiences and the broader body of research on PTSD and trauma recovery. She references the growing body of evidence supporting the use of psychedelics for PTSD treatment and highlights the success stories of fellow veterans who have found relief through these methods.

Personal Application

Kelsi Sheren shares her journey of self-discovery and healing. She discusses how writing her book and speaking about her experiences have been therapeutic. Sheren also details her experimentation with psychedelics, which has significantly contributed to her mental health recovery.

Recommendations for Tools and Techniques

• Therapy: Regular sessions with a therapist to work through trauma and mental health issues.
• Community Support: Engaging with support groups, particularly those tailored for veterans, to share experiences and gain mutual support.
• Psychedelic Treatments: Exploring psychedelic therapies under professional supervision as a potential avenue for PTSD treatment.
• Physical Activity: Incorporating regular physical exercise to help manage stress and improve overall well-being.

Through her candid discussion, Kelsi Sheren offers valuable insights into the realities of war, the complexities of PTSD, and the multifaceted journey of healing, providing practical advice and hope for those facing similar struggles.