In this poignant final episode of Psychiatric Casualties, hosts Mark Russell and Charles Figley are joined by special guest Kathy Figley for a powerful and emotional close to their podcast journey. Together, they reflect on the stories, challenges, and revelations they’ve shared while confronting the chronic neglect of mental health in the military.

Drawing from their book and years of advocacy, the trio revisits major insights from their work—highlighting systemic failures, personal battles, and the urgent need for reform. More than a summary, this episode is a passionate call to action: to push for comprehensive change, support those suffering in silence, and hold institutions accountable.

Whether you've followed since the beginning or are just tuning in, this episode captures the heart of Psychiatric Casualties: How and Why the Military Ignores the Full Cost of War—a blend of truth, compassion, and unwavering dedication to those affected by military mental health struggles.

🔑 Key Topics:

• Reflections on the podcast journey and the writing of Psychiatric Casualties
• The invisible wounds of military service
• Failures in military mental health care systems
• Advocacy and accountability: what's needed for real change
• Messages of hope for the future

📚 Featured Book: Psychiatric Casualties – by Mark Russell & Charles Figley

Strangers At Home

Thank You For Your Service

🙏 Thank You:

To all our listeners, contributors, and the brave individuals who shared their stories—thank you. Your voices matter, and together, we can be the catalyst for change.

🔗 Stay Connected:

Though this is the final episode, the conversation doesn’t end here.

Mark, Charles and Kat confront one of the most pressing and persistent issues facing our armed forces: the chronic neglect of military mental health care.

As this series is coming to the last two episodes, Mark prepares to step away from the podcast, he reflects on his personal journey—one that began with the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and has been defined by a steadfast commitment to advocating for mental health reform. Together, the hosts take a hard look at the barriers to change, from entrenched stigma to slow-moving policy, and the immense toll this neglect has taken on service members and their families.

The conversation navigates:

• The systemic challenges in military mental health policy
• Personal stories and professional insights from decades of advocacy and research
• The cultural and institutional stigma that still haunts mental health treatment
• Bold ideas for legislative and structural reform

This heartfelt discussion is both a tribute to those affected and a rallying cry for those ready to create change. Join us for a powerful episode that reminds us all: the invisible wounds of war deserve to be seen—and healed.

Have questions? Experiences? Email Mark and Charles at mrussellphd@gmail.com. Your engagement can help pave the way for a future where military mental health is no longer a silent battlefield.

In this episode, Charles, Mark and Kat tackle the complex dynamics of military mental health care and its evolution over the years. They discuss the lasting impact of wars, particularly the Persian Gulf and Vietnam, on mental health practices in the military and how these lessons have influenced civilian mental health care. The conversation touches on the stigma surrounding mental health in the military, the challenges of trauma, and the innovations that have emerged to address these issues. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of military service and mental health.

Key Topics Covered:

• The evolution of military mental health care over the years
• The psychological impact of the Persian Gulf and Vietnam Wars
• How military mental health practices have influenced civilian care
• The stigma surrounding mental health in the military
• Challenges in addressing trauma among service members
• Innovations in mental health treatments and support systems

Have questions or comments, email Dr. Mark Russell at mrussellphd@gmail.com

Interested in the book? Visit https://www.amazon.com/Psychiatric-Casualties-Military-Ignores-Full/dp/0231187769