I've been holding onto stories, truths, and lessons that deserve to be shared - not just for me, but for anyone who needs to hear them. Sometimes the hardest stories to tell are the ones that hold the most power. They're raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically real. That's what Fiercely Unfiltered is all about— creating a space where vulnerability meets strength, where silence is replaced with courage, and where every story is told with purpose. This isn't just a podcast. It's a conversation. It's healing. It's growth.
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I've been holding onto stories, truths, and lessons that deserve to be shared - not just for me, but for anyone who needs to hear them. Sometimes the hardest stories to tell are the ones that hold the most power. They're raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically real. That's what Fiercely Unfiltered is all about— creating a space where vulnerability meets strength, where silence is replaced with courage, and where every story is told with purpose. This isn't just a podcast. It's a conversation. It's healing. It's growth.
988 & Beyond: The Lifeline Every Veteran (and Loved One) Needs to Know
Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee
13 minutes
1 month ago
988 & Beyond: The Lifeline Every Veteran (and Loved One) Needs to Know
What if one call could change everything? In this episode of Fiercely Unfiltered, Kelly Renee gets real about mental health, suicide prevention, and why asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and Kelly shares shocking stats, over 6,000 veterans die by suicide every year, and female veteran rates have risen at an alarming pace. As a veteran herself, she opens up about her own struggles, the moment she decided to reach out for support, and how the VA connected her with free counseling almost immediately.
Kelly walks you through the resources that can literally save a life, like calling 988 (and pressing 1 if you’re a veteran) and the programs that offer real help without judgment. Whether you’re a veteran, love someone who served, or just need a reminder that you’re not alone, this episode is a heartfelt call to get the support you deserve and a powerful reminder that it’s okay to not be okay.
You are not alone. Help is out there. Your life matters.
Key Takeaways
Help is available 24/7. Call 988 for immediate support. Veterans can dial 988, then press 1 to reach trained counselors who understand military experiences.
Reaching out is strength. Professional help provides tools and care that friends and family might not be equipped to give.
Veteran suicide is a crisis. Female veteran suicide rates doubled from 2001–2021, but targeted programs are making a difference.
Resources go beyond crisis care. Veterans Affairs offers counseling, education benefits, and career training to support a better quality of life.
Community saves lives. Checking in on loved ones and encouraging support can change everything.
In This Episode
[00:01] Introduction to Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
[00:39] Shocking veteran suicide statistics
[01:18] Immediate help: 988 hotline and veteran-specific support
[02:23] Kelly’s personal call for mental health help
[03:27] Breaking the stigma around counseling and therapy
[04:43] The loneliness of seeking family support
[05:38] Why professional help matters
[06:36] Challenges of veterans returning to civilian life
[07:45] The power of choosing life and seeking resources
[09:00] Exploring VA benefits and programs for veterans and families
[10:03] Education and job training opportunities through the VA
[11:01] Additional benefits for children and spouses
[12:00] Final message of hope and action
Notable Quotes
(02:43) “It’s not weak to ask for help. It’s actually brave to ask for help.” — Kelly Renee
(03:31) “There are resources for you and you can’t be ashamed of needing to talk to someone. It’s okay to not be okay.” — Kelly Renee
(07:20) “The stuff some of these veterans had to see and go through and then come back and adjust back to civilian life and be okay, it’s just not reality. Some people need extra help and that’s okay.” — Kelly Renee
(07:58) “Your life matters, you matter, your life matters and people care. You have to never give up.” — Kelly Renee
(08:35) “Happiness is a choice. It’s something you have to wake up every day and do.” — Kelly Renee
(12:04) “I just want everyone to understand suicide is not the answer. You matter. Your life matters.” — Kelly Renee
Resources and Links
Fiercely Unfiltered
Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee
Kelly Renee
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Fiercely Unfiltered with Kelly Renee
I've been holding onto stories, truths, and lessons that deserve to be shared - not just for me, but for anyone who needs to hear them. Sometimes the hardest stories to tell are the ones that hold the most power. They're raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically real. That's what Fiercely Unfiltered is all about— creating a space where vulnerability meets strength, where silence is replaced with courage, and where every story is told with purpose. This isn't just a podcast. It's a conversation. It's healing. It's growth.
