Special Recognition Mental Health
The Healing Process: Transforming Trauma
Mary "Michelle" Laibly

The inspiration behind this piece came from attending SAVE A WARRIOR PROJECT in August,
2022. Due to military trauma (combat, MST) as well as childhood trauma, I was on the verge of
another suicide attempt. SAVE A WARRIOR PROJECT (SAW) is a non-profit that focuses on the
intervention/prevention of suicide among Veterans/first responders. Since attending SAW, I
have worked diligently to stay connected to other SAW alumni work with multiple VA
therapists in order to take back my life and start processing all my traumas. I have found a way
to use art to express thoughts I can't put into words, to improve my mental health, and
as a form of meditation.