Did you know that an estimated 8% of American have suffered at some time from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD.  To put that in perspective, that’s over 24 million Americans which is more than the population of Florida.  Those rates become even more alarming for first responders.  There are estimates of up to 37% for PTSD among firefighters.

With PTSD having such an impact on our community of Weston; we wanted to learn more.  This month we sat down with Jackie Bruder; who has a lifetime of experience in the fire service industry and now helps people who struggle with PTSD.  We will learn about her company, her background, what she is passionate about and why she chose Lakeside Executive Suites. 

Tell us about your company and what you do?

Mended Minds is state of the art technology that helps persons with a multitude of ailments like PTSD, TBI (Trauma Brain Injury) Concussion syndrome, Depression, Anxiety, Migraines, Insomnia, ADD/ADHD, & persons on the Autism spectrum. 

Various studies have shown a common thread between a neurological disorder or dysfunction and increased levels of delta brainwave activity.  This increased delta wave activity causes a release of chemicals and hormones which keep our bodies and minds in a constant state of fight or flight.  Some people live in a constant state of fight or flight for years, even some since birth, which can lead to years of pain and misery for the patient and their family.  Most modern treatment modalities are only treating symptoms not the core issue.

The Mended Minds team can make a difference in your life by using a full approach, focusing on mind, body, and lifestyle.  Mended Minds uses The IASIS Micro Current Neurofeedback System to help reboot your brain and restore its natural state of being, which has been shown to be over 85% effective in reducing the symptoms associated with these neurological disorders.

How did you get started in your industry? 

Prior to opening Mended Minds, I spent the past 30 years in the fire service as a firefighter paramedic with Miami Dade Fire Rescue.  I spent considerable amount of time watching human suffering, including those of my fellow Firefighters.  Watching children lose their parents, parents lose their children…it changes you, and sometimes those changes don’t fade.  You also have the opportunity to save lives in ways you never imagined possible.  Delivering babies, reviving people from plane crashes, diving into a canal at night with SCUBA gear to pull out a mom while her child watched on the shoreline.  So after I retired from the fire department, life seemed a bit slow, empty…that is where Mended Minds came in.  A way of helping our own, the firefighters who are suffering from PTSD, helping people in ways we could not help before.  Giving back in a whole new way.

What is something about your business that most people do not know? 

Most people know nothing about our business!  Though a form of the technology was developed 50 years ago, our technology is presently the only one of its kind that has image based evidence of its success.  Presently, after treating military personnel with severe PTSD, the federal government has given the founder of our system (IASIS) a multi-million dollar grant with the University of South California to document the changes to the brain using a MEG.  A MEG lab allows visual changes in the brain to be documented in real time, visually..during the session. 

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

Our goal is to open offices all over the state of Florida to give access to those in need.

Tell me about yourself?

I come from a big family f six brothers and one sister.  I am married with 4 children and a houseful of pets.  We live in Davie, horse country, where everyone knows each other and people actually help their neighbors.  We ride around in golf carts and enjoy our kids playing together.  I love people and animals and spend most of my time with one or the other!

Other than work, what are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about raising our children to be independent, thoughtful, considerate, humble givers.  In a world that seems to lean toward the negative…I would like them to sway toward the positive.  To recognize suffering and be a part of the solution.  To give less than they take and appreciate the beauty of our planet.

What types of activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?

I love verything outdoors including water skiing, scuba diving, fishing, snow skiing, and long walks on the beach.

Why did you choose Lakeside and how has working here helped your business?

The people..hands down is the main reason.  Everyone is extremely friendly and happy to help at Lakeside Executive Suites.  I love the way it has open spaces to work and plenty of light coming in from the outdoors.  Last, but not least….location, location, location..it’s extremely easy for our patients to come off the expressway to find us!

If you need help on your journey to health; contact Mended Minds and send them a message.  You can also follow their blog page and connect with them on Facebook and LinkedIn.