Overcoming PTSD: Farron Dozier Discusses His Experience in the US Army

On the most recent episode of Over the Counter, Farron Dozier, a retired sergeant first class in the US Army, discussed his experience with PTSD from his start in basic training to finding his passion after retiring. He also discussed the negative labeling that comes with a condition like PTSD and how there is a notable disconnect between veterans and civilians.

“The anxiety, the severe depression and anxiety, stress, worrying; it's just been something I've been recently able to start to manage,” said Dozier. He said that his road to overcoming PTSD has been a long and difficult journey; one that he has just recently been able to get a full grasp on.

Since retiring from the Army, Dozier has become an advocate for the sickle cell trait, something that he has been diagnosed with himself.

“Like I said, I've only been able to do this because of the work that I put in to stay alive and to become an advocate for [sickle cell trait]. So, I've dedicated my life to something else. But after 24 years, it was half my life in the military,” he continued.

Despite not being a combat veteran, Dozier said that everyone’s experience has similarities and differences no matter what capacity they served in the US military. He also offered advice to veterans who are still struggling to find a more secure way to manage and take care of their mental health.

Check out the full version of our discussion with Dozier, which is also available on Spotify.

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