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Resilience and Service: A Journey of Courage with Danielle Green
Join host Barry Shore in an inspiring conversation with Danielle Green, a beacon of resilience and courage. From her spiritual connection with Notre Dame to enlisting in the Army despite a promising basketball scholarship, Danielle’s journey is a testament to unwavering determination. Hear how a life-altering incident in Iraq changed everything and how the Wounded Warrior Project became a beacon of hope in her darkest hour. Discover Danielle’s unwavering spirit, her remarkable journey through adversity, and the transformative power of service, resilience, and self-compassion in rebuilding a life of purpose.
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Show Notes:
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[12.11] Journey of You
- I experienced a profound spiritual connection with the University of Notre Dame.
- ‘Be all you can be’—from the prow, the feud, to the Marines.
- I had the potential to choose paths like being involved in gangs or engaging in prostitution, yet I opted to transcend those options.
- For an extended period, I felt profoundly isolated.
- Eventually, I realized the world’s vastness beyond my own experiences.
- While many individuals endure suffering, others rise above and conquer these challenges.
- Resilience manifests in the ability to bounce back from adversity.
[23.06] Acceptance & Scholarship
- I repeatedly reassured my mom about my intention to attend the University of Notre Dame for two years.
- While playing basketball, someone suggested that I could earn a scholarship by improving my skills.
- I had just learned what scholarships entailed.
- Notably, Notre Dame boasts a seven-foot mural of ‘Touchdown Jesus’ in its library.
[30.06] Danielle’s Decision to Serve
- Despite a basketball scholarship, Danielle pursued her dream of serving her country and joining the military.
- Her desire to participate in ROTC in college was sidelined due to the scholarship, but she persisted in her dream of serving.
- At 25, she enlisted in the Army to work her way up and contribute to her country.
[41.01] Life-Altering Event
- In Iraq, Danielle faced a life-changing moment when a rocket-propelled grenade severed her left arm.
- Despite the shock and excruciating pain, she prayed for strength and a chance to live, unaware of the extent of her injury.
- Fellow soldiers’ immediate actions and military training saved her life, marking the beginning of her arduous healing journey.
[48.50] Wounded Warrior Project & Recovery
- The Wounded Warrior Project provided vital support, offering a backpack filled with essentials and hope during her darkest times.
- Despite facing fear and learning to navigate daily tasks with one arm, Danielle embraced gratitude and resilience.
- Her healing journey extended beyond physical rehabilitation, emphasizing self-compassion and overcoming challenging moments.
[53.01] Embracing Service & Sacrifice
- My desire to join ROTC persisted despite the scholarship.
- Enlisted at 25 to serve her country in the Army.
- Courageously faced the fear of going to war.
- RPG incident in Iraq led to a life-altering injury.
- She prayed for survival, unaware of the extent of her injury.
- Fellow soldiers’ swift actions saved her life.
- Wounded Warrior Project brought hope during her darkest moments.
- Overcame fear, adapting to life with one arm.
- Fostered resilience through self-compassion and gratitude.
Insider Tips:
Dr. Craig Chepke, MD, DFAPA, attended NYU School of Medicine and completed his residency training at Duke University. He has his own private practice in Huntersville, North Carolina and is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry for the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Dr. Chepke has special interests in treatment-resistant depression, severe mental illness, movement disorders, and sleep medicine. He is active in clinical trials and serves on the Board of Directors of nonprofit organizations benefitting schizophrenia and Huntington’s disease. Finally, Dr. Chepke has been named a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.
Topics Covered:
- Can you tell us about the signs and symptoms of clinical depression and how common it is?
- What is treatment-resistant depression and what are available treatment options?
- If someone thinks they have TRD, who should they turn to for help?
- If someone out there or someone they know is struggling with treatment-resistant depression and experiencing depressive symptoms, what should they do?
- What are some things your patients with treatment-resistant depression have found helpful in managing their depressive symptoms, in addition to medication?
- What are some available resources if someone is seeking help?
Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide for SPRAVATO® and discuss any questions you may have with your healthcare provider.
Important Links:
About Danielle Green
Growing up on the south side of Chicago, Danielle Green’s grandmother always encouraged her to “get out and be somebody.” At first, it seemed like basketball would be the way she’d accomplish that mission. After earning a basketball scholarship to the University of Notre Dame and becoming the 14th-leading scorer in program history, she had certainly gotten out and become somebody. But after graduating with a degree in Psychology from Notre Dame, Danielle felt she could do more to serve others — so she joined the U.S. Army as a military police officer.
In 2004, while patrolling on a 115-degree rooftop in Baghdad, Iraq, she was injured by a rocket-propelled grenade causing her to lose her dominant left arm. She was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat. She had to re-learn how to do almost everything, reinvent herself and find a new purpose.
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