PTSD

Welcome to another edition of the Doctor’s Note where we talk about what’s on our minds when it comes to your health.

This week I had the privilege of sitting down with my longtime friend Miles Burdine, who shared his powerful and deeply personal journey with PTSD following his long and storied service in the Marines. Miles recounted how, despite having a successful public life after the military, signs of severe depression and anxiety were so well-hidden that even he hadn’t realized the extent of his struggles until two close friends intervened. Their honesty prompted him to seek help, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD, and eventually exploring the use of ketamine as a therapeutic tool. The emotional weight of his experiences—from combat to survivor’s guilt to recurring nightmares—demonstrates just how complex and pervasive trauma can be, not only for veterans but for anyone who has faced profound hardship.

In our conversation, Miles described how ketamine therapy, particularly when combined with competent therapy support, has helped him confront the “demons” of PTSD in a way traditional treatments could not. He opened up about both the physical and mental toll of his experiences, the importance of being vulnerable and accepting help, and his mission now to spread awareness—especially among other veterans—that help is available and healing is possible. This dialogue isn’t just about innovative treatments like ketamine, but more importantly about breaking down the stigma of seeking help, understanding that trauma takes many forms, and recognizing that reaching out can truly be lifesaving.

PODCAST NOTES

• PTSD symptoms can be deeply buried and effectively masked, not just from colleagues and family, but often from the individuals themselves. In Miles’s case, it was only the honest intervention from two trusted colleagues, who courageously pointed out his uncharacteristic anger and emotional volatility, that forced him to look inward and realize how much he was struggling beneath the surface.

• Taking the initial step to seek help for PTSD or any mental health concern is often the most difficult. Miles described how, as a Marine and a leader, the culture had ingrained in him the idea that he should simply “suck it up” and push through any pain. Overcoming this mentality, especially when reinforced by decades of military ethos, involved as much bravery and humility as anything he did in uniform.

• There is a significant information gap regarding the services and benefits available to veterans who may be suffering from PTSD or other service-related conditions. Miles Burdine was unaware for decades that he qualified for VA disability benefits and directed many other veterans to seek information—illustrating that many are needlessly going without help they’ve earned simply due to lack of awareness and support.

• Ketamine therapy, under medical supervision, has emerged as a uniquely effective treatment for many dealing with severe PTSD. Miles emphasized that ketamine infusions left him in a dissociative state that allowed deeply embedded trauma and emotions to surface—things he was otherwise able to hide and control. While the process can be intense, painful, and even frightening, it is also powerfully transformative for some.

• A supportive therapeutic environment is vital for any psychedelic-assisted therapy. Miles recounted that having a therapist present during his infusions was essential, as it provided reassurance and guidance through the emotional upheaval. The therapist not only monitored his safety but helped frame the experience to allow healing, encouraging him to relinquish control and process his emotions in real time.

• Progress with PTSD is not necessarily linear or complete after a single intervention like ketamine. Miles shared that while his symptoms improved after each session, his recurring nightmares persisted. The message is that ongoing care, including frequent therapeutic sessions and a commitment to the process, is crucial for meaningful, lasting change.

• Beyond the medications and therapies, openly addressing the stigma around mental health—especially for veterans and first responders—is a key element in reducing suffering. Miles’s choice to publicly share his story, both in articles and on this podcast, is part of a larger mission to save lives by encouraging others to see vulnerability and seeking help as acts of strength, not weakness.

• The landscape of mental health support is changing, with new tools such as ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA becoming more widely accepted in medical settings. Still, it’s crucial that these innovations are guided by medical professionals and paired with therapy, as they are not simple “cures,” but complex treatments that require guidance, monitoring, and post-session integration for best results.

I urge everyone reading this—whether you are a veteran, a first responder, or someone who cares about a loved one battling trauma—to recognize that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. There are effective treatments and compassionate professionals who can help, and as Miles powerfully illustrated, taking that first step can make all the difference—not just for yourself, but for those you love and the broader community. 

Let’s keep pushing to break the stigma, share these stories, and ensure that anyone struggling knows: you are not alone, and hope is real. Please, share this podcast episode with anyone who may need it, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support—doing so could truly save a life.

Stay educated. Stay healthy. 

Till next week.