Pain and Suffering Uncoupled: A Veteran's Testimony
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Beryl Billiot shares his recovery and healing journey at the Center for Brain Health
As per Marine Corps demands, before the title of Marine can be earned, the decision has to be made – to commit to a calling that puts service ahead of self, purpose above pleasure, and honor over ego. But this is not a decision for the faint of heart. Winning the battles we fight requires an ability to endure more than most and a determination that will not relent in the face of hardships and difficulty.
Marines train to improvise, adapt and overcome any obstacle in any situation. Every Marine must at all times possess the highest level of physical fitness and combat readiness and we are programmed and conditioned to “put away” the unpleasant things and focus on the mission – to push through the pain to achieve the set goal.
While this mentality is necessary for a fighting Marine to survive and uphold our commitment to our nation, it leads to a life of pain and suffering after our tour is over because the battle never ends. For me, pain and suffering had become a way of life. They were an inseparable pair and I continued to seek treatment for the unpleasant remnants of my time served.
Although the training and programming is necessary to ensure the success of our military objectives, upon discharge we were never deprogrammed or taught to safely unleash what we have been hiding, leading to a never-ending fight to keep the beast contained … until now!
After learning that I had developed a large tumor in my brain and underwent surgery to remove it, I was introduced to the team at the Tulane Center for Brain Health. That is where the real healing began!
The team’s approach to healing encompassed the entire person: mental, physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual. It was through this approach that I learned it was possible to experience levels of pain without the detrimental, debilitating effects of suffering. You may have heard the phrase “knowing is half the battle.” Well, the knowledge that was shared, along with the various physical and mental exercises that were introduced, allowed me to shed the weight of the suffering and focus on the task of strengthening and healing the body, mind, and spirit.
The team’s unwavering support and coaching through the uncomfortable enabled me to face the captive beast and finally let it go – ending the constant life-draining battle, allowing me to reach a state of internal peace.
In addition to the changes I have personally experienced, I also witnessed first-hand the positive effects on the others in our group. Although every treatment plan is personalized to the respective needs of each participant, we are offered an opportunity to share experiences and once again offer support for and receive support from fellow veterans, fulfilling the commitment to “Service Above Self!”
I am forever thankful for the opportunity to have participated in this amazing program, and I look forward to the opportunity to help others on their journey to healing!
May God continue to bless this program as they seek to improve the lives of those who gave so much for the protection of our nation’s values and the freedoms we continue to enjoy.
Beryl Billiot, Veteran USMC