Whole Health principles guide Veteran toward a more centered life
“I kind of missed out on a lot of life for a 30-year period,” said U.S. Navy Veteran Daniel Collins. “Drinking affected my life, and I’m picking up the pieces now.”
The need for change
After serving nearly four years on a nuclear submarine, Collins left the Navy and stepped into corporate America. He eventually became an attorney.
Collins had difficulty socializing and, on weekends, many of his work colleagues connected through drinking. He soon joined in.
“Parties in the corporate world always involved alcohol; it was expected,” he said. “I found it easier to socialize in those situations, but my drinking escalated.”
Over the years, Collins’ efforts to socialize led to an alcohol disorder, even altering his behavior.
“I was always sick, defensive and in denial,” he said. “I ended up in the hospital with liver failure.”
Getting help
Collins began an inpatient rehab program with Grand Junction VA Medical Center last year.
During his two months of treatment, he was introduced to Whole Health and completed a Personal Health Inventory, which helped define Collins’ goals for his overall health and well-being. Following his residential stay, he started with Whole Health coaching.
“I learned mindfulness and tools to maintain sobriety,” he said. “I’ve been sober since I entered. I don’t intend to touch a drop ever again.”
VA doctors closely monitor Collins’ liver and, at 66, this Veteran has adopted a healthier way of life, which includes exercise and a nutritious diet that restricts his salt and sugar intake.
Collins admitted the lifestyle change is working. He’s lost weight and his pain is gone.
Incorporating the concepts
Whole Health patients are not alone during recovery. Health coaching is at the core of the program. Collins meets with his health coach once a week.
“Our Whole Health and coaching process captures mission aspiration and purpose,” said Brooke Wimer, Whole Health program coordinator. “Collins identified what’s important and what brings fulfillment in his life. The aim is to complete a current project he’s working on by setting a goal, creating action steps and setting a timeframe for completion.”
Collins appreciates the accountability. He will also share what he’s learned about Whole Health with Veterans coming into the program as part of a six-week orientation course. He plans to train to become a co-facilitator of sessions.
“When you’re teaching, you’re also a student,” he explained. “You learn from the class. It’ll be a growing and learning experience for myself as well.”
Collins has incorporated many new disciplines into his daily routine, including mindful meditation, yoga and tai chi. He considers these more than exercise, saying they uplift his mood and help him overcome stress at his office.
“I’m calm at work, and they’re all upset,” he said. “I end up calming them down with my calmness.”
Collins admitted he is living and breathing what he’s learning in the program, participating as much as possible.
“This place saved my life,” he said. “I’m healing physically, and a good attitude perpetuates health as well. I’m learning how to approach a problem. I’m a different person, for the better, I think.”
For more information about Grand Junction VA’s Whole Health program, call 970-263-6294.
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April Love is a writer-editor on the VISN 19 Creative Task Force. She began working for VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System in 2016 and lives in Aurora, Colorado.