40: A Veteran’s Story of Survivor’s Guilt, Healing, and the Power of Words

Lee Alexander shares his powerful journey from military service to surviving the unseen battles that followed. A U.S. Navy veteran who later served in the Army National Guard, Lee spent years deployed in the Middle East and Mogadishu, Somalia, working as a criminal investigator aboard the USS Ranger. After injuries forced him to leave active duty, he grappled with PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and the silence surrounding mental health in the armed forces.When the Humvee carrying the soldier who replaced him hit an IED, killing everyone inside, Lee was consumed by guilt — struggling with nightmares and the feeling that he had no right to speak about his pain. He opens up about the night he almost ended his life, the friend whose unexpected text saved him, and the importance of connection and support for veterans who often suffer in silence.Writing became his turning point. What began as private notes evolved into poetry and fiction that helped him heal. Today, Lee is a published author of a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired novel (The Fortuitous Few), a dark Victorian fantasy series (The Damien Blackwell Chronicles), and a poetry collection titled In the Obsidian Mirror, I Remain: Reflections of a Fractured Soul, which explores trauma, reflection, and recovery. His short story Writing in the Shadows was also recognized by Writer’s Digest.Now working in IT and military simulation training, Lee continues to advocate for veteran mental health, creative healing, and the power of storytelling.  Lee’s Websites and Social Media:https://shadowpagespressllc.comhttps://www.instagram.com/leea.writesStorytellers Convention: https://onceuponeverystorycon.com Lee’s Books:In The Obsidian Mirror, I Remain: Reflections of a Fractured Soul(Available on Amazon)https://a.co/d/gnqRHVY Shadows of the Past: The Damien Blackwell Chronicles - International Reader’s Choice Award (Available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble)https://a.co/d/g8HxubDhttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shadows-of-the-past-lee-alexander/1146110569?ean=9798991136006 Echoes of Dark and Light: The Damien Blackwell Chronicles(Available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble)https://a.co/d/2Ur1lGXhttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/echoes-of-dark-and-light-lee-alexander/1147052734?ean=9798991136020 The Fortuitous Few(Available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble)https://a.co/d/78SrAsOhttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-fortuitous-few-lee-alexander/1146878393?ean=9798991136082 Writing in the Shadows - Writer's Digest Annual Award Nomination   Veteran PTSD Resources:https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ptsd/next-step.asp Combat Call Center: (877)WAR-VETS PTSD Foundation of America -Veteran Line: (877)717-PTSDhttps://ptsdusa.org Mental Health Resources:Suicide and Crisis Lifeline988 SAMHSA’s National Helpline (mental health and/or substance use)1-800-662-HELP (4357)  Beyond the Monsters Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters/https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters *Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The discussions and experiences shared are based on our personal stories and opinions. This is not medical advice, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any concerns or questions regarding your health.If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, please fill out a form here: https://form.jotform.com/243366933402153Please contact [email protected] for any business inquiries! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.