Caties' Story
Catie Barber is a Registered Dietitian from Saugerties, NY. She was previously a healthy 27 year newlywed, half-marathon runner, and “picture of perfect health.” She first started showing COVID-19 symptoms on March 30 and tested positive on April 3. She has suffered since then from a multitude of symptoms; failed attempts at trying to work; numerous ER/doctor visits. She has been diagnosed with severe dysautonomia and Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), depression, anxiety and PTSD so far. She is considered a COVID “Long-hauler.”
This experience has been a depressing, isolating time for her. She has been turned away, told to ride it out, told it’s all in her head, dismissed, and treated terribly. She has had some very dark moments over the past months. She is thankful for support from her team of doctors, therapist, family and friends. She is a member of several support groups. All of these resources have helped her navigate this continuing journey she calls the “corona coaster.”
There is no end in sight for her at the moment. However, by telling her story, she hopes to bring awareness to the severe impact this virus can have. COVID-19 has affected her mind, body and soul. She wants everyone to protect themselves and stay safe.
The Catie Sweatshirt
60% of all profits will be donated to help Catie during this difficult time
Pre-Purchase ends November 22 & orders will be shipped the week of December 1st
James' Story
"My time in the military was rewarding, and I'm thankful for the memories and friends I made along the way. Stress comes with the job title of any service member. The anxiety and depression that came with that was something I have not experienced before, and at a young age, didn't quite know how to deal with. Many service member's, across all branches, face these same challenges and I would like for them all to know that they are not alone. It's a stigma in the military to ignore these mental health symptoms yet I believe it is something that needs to be approached head on by everyone and their peers. The support I had is something I will forever be grateful for, don't ever hesitate to reach out to your fellow soldiers, airmen/women, or sailors to ask how they are doing. No matter the job title, where you are, what you are doing, I believe that everyone handles stress differently. It is important to understand the individuality of someone's feelings and what affects them may be different than what affects you. Reach out to a Veteran on Veteran's Day and check on them. Help to make them feel appreciated and thank them for their service to our country, no matter how small the job they did. THEY MATTER. EVERYONE DOES."
Statistics about Veterans and Mental Health
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30 percent of active duty and reserve military personnel deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan have a mental health condition requiring treatment – approximately 730,000 men and women, with many experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression. (Source: The National Council of Behavioral Health)
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Approximately 17 U.S. veterans die by suicide every day—a rate that is about 1.5 times that of nonveterans after adjusting for differences in age and sex (Source: Department of Veterans Affairs, 2019)
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According to 2017 data from the 2019 VA suicide prevention annual report, after adjusting for age, the suicide rate for women veterans was 2.2 times greater than the suicide rate for nonveteran women. (Source: American Psychological Association, 2020)
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“Only about a third of U.S. veterans come to the VA for health care, so we need to ensure that prevention is going beyond the VA health-care setting,” says Gloria Workman, PhD, ABPP, director of research and evaluation suicide prevention with the VA’s Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. (Source: American Psychological Association, 2020)
Both active duty service members and veterans face barriers to treatment for mental health issues. Some of the barriers veterans face, identified by the United States Government Accountability Office (USGAO) and other sources, include:
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Personal embarrassment about service-related mental disabilities
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Long wait times to receive mental health treatment
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Shame over needing to seek mental health treatment
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Fear of being seen as weak
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Stigma associated with mental health issues
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A lack of understanding or lack of awareness about mental health problems and treatment options
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Logistical problems, such as long travel distances in order to receive this type of care
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Concerns over the veteran mental health treatment offered by the VA
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Demographic barriers and false perceptions based on these demographics such as age or gender
James Boatwright, LMBT, CPT
James Boatwright is a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Licesned Message and Body Work Therapist (LMBT)! After his service in the United States Air Force, James found that touch therapy with massage and physical exercise helped him cope with his transition from military to civilian life. He attended the College of Wilmington to get his degree in Therapeutic Massage and immediately following he enrolled at Cape Fear Community College to obtain an associates in science, in hopes of getting a bachelors degree from UNCW in exercise science, and ultimately a Masters in Athletic Training! Through his journey, he completed his NASM Certification in Personal Training. What you get from his services is all that mentioned above, education! The number one goal in health and fitness is education about how your body works and how you can control it. He specifically works on chronic muscle tightness and pain, not only does he work on that with Massage Therapy, but he can now strengthen the muscle imbalances that are causing that constant discomfort! While he is going through his education, you’ll get a constant dose of your own education on how your body works and what you can do to make it work like a well oiled machine! He is looking forward to working with people to accomplish their goals, and to have a happier, healthy life! He is all ears for questions about anything you may have!
Follow James on social media for tips, tricks & booking
The Reach Out Sweatshirt
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