Change Your Image
NicoleAmelioCasper
I spent over 2 decades traveling with my family in the military. There were many years of good times - like the excitement of moving to a new state, new city, and meeting new friends - we even lived in Europe for -- almost 3 years which was such an adventure – we flew on military planes to different countries and sometimes we were the only family on the plane and the pilot would take my kids to cockpit – it was a C17 …it was huge! So We made a lot good memories…
but then there were the deployments…
I WAS one of the many military spouses on the other side of the pond supporting my close girlfriends, my husband’s colleagues, and friends and my husband as they endured deployments –
When they returned home with wounds - ----some were seen, some were unseen. Some came home with wounds so deep, they withdrew from others, and lost their a sense of normalcy –
these are the men and women with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Currently, medical professionals give antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, and even Botox to alleviate PTSD symptoms . However - SOMETIMES masking the symptoms with medication doesn’t attack the issue(s) head on. And As many can attest, - Veterans of the Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam wars and are scarred with wounds that are hard to cope with and sometimes they fester inside; but once they do surface--- many veterans conceal the symptoms as they reintegrate with their families, and in their communities, and in the workplace…. I know this to be true BC of my conversations with those in the film and with many conversations with my close friends and military family….
(THE VA DOES OFFER trauma focused psychotherapies such as Prolonged Exposure therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, – the VA has incredible resources and the therapies THE VA offers MAY work for some –
However, they may not be effective for everyone.
This really hit home when one of my best friends in North Carolina who was in the Army for 24 years revealed to me she had PTSD…. She told me her story… every single detail---from the moment of when the trauma occurred OVERSEAS, to what she copes with every day… she also stopped taking medication because there were negative side effects one-- and two they just didn’t work for her.
My heart just went out to her and I wanted to help her and others like her in that very moment….
When we moved to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, from Fort Bragg – North Carolina I felt more than compelled to film a documentary that would explore different therapies to heal veterans and others with PTSD--- I started connecting with non-profits in the Kansas City area that offered complementary therapies for veterans---- when I shared my vision with the directors ,,,they were on board right away to be part of this project…
And then after months of planning… my Journey began filming The Journey Back to Normal - this film sheds light on truly effective - complementary therapies in which veterans are immersed, to combat the adverse effects of PTSD---the film documents how these therapies can aid in the healing process in a holistic way AND it shows how these community heroes step in and step up to help our warriors in their hour of need.
AND testimonies shared in the film are focused more on present positive experiences rather than their past trauma – so it is truly a hope- filled film – Really this shows how men and women exiting the military can have a 2nd LIFE – I was reminded by someone at my last screening at Baker University in Missouri - that service members have such a strong sense of identity through the military and it IS literally what defines them… BUT when they come out, they not only have some issues, but some have an identity crisis as well. These therapies can really give them a 2nd life in more ways than one!
Just a warning….There is some reality woven into the film -the statistics I include in the film are a bit shocking, but I wanted to make sure the audience realizes the critical nature of this issue.
Our ultimate goal AND mission IS to create awareness about true healing through this film -
In 2016 when I began filming this documentary,The infamous number is @22 a day – @22 veterans and active duty military service members committed suicide every day - Now it’s 20 a day, but it’s still 20 a day. For this reason alone, we should make it a top priority to develop, deliver, and FOCUS on effective methods to counteract the impact of PTSD.
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Reviews
Detours (2016)
A wonderful chronicle of a father and daughter on journey to a new season in life
I loved this film! The script was rich and emotional as well as funny ! Mara definitely developed the characters in a rich way!
The journey from New Jersey to Florida took me back to memories of traveling up and down the east coast, as well! I loved the way in which she envelops the main characters mom into the story and how it affected who she is today. The father's overwhelming forgiveness shows how families can stay together beyond a tragedy as well.
Overwell this is a very well done film - Absolutely loved it!
Surviving Family (2012)
This is an excellent film -sheds light on mental health in a very powerful way
This film is a must see- it sheds light mental health and how vital it is to get help- written and produced by Mara Leseman- excellent film!
A very well-written film on a very critical topic - as a mental health advocate and film maker, I know first hand how mental health affects every family, every community. Casting was impeccable and the chemistry between key actors was right on point!
There is dramatic scenes as well as some comedic scenes sprinkled in as well.