Mental Health Champions: Why & How Dr. Diandra Poe Of ‘Glass Soldier’ Is Helping To Champion Mental Wellness
An Interview With Eden Gold
I run and I advocate for moving trauma out of the body through movement. Running is my #1 go to. I run in the Army 10-Miler every year and this year I am running my first full marathon.
As a part of our series about Mental Health Champions helping to promote mental wellness, I had the pleasure to interview Dr. Diandra Poe.
Dr. Diandra T. Poe is a U.S. Army veteran, licensed social worker, and founder of Glass Soldier, a grassroots nonprofit challenging the cultural norms that allow military sexual trauma to persist. A survivor of childhood abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault during her service, she transforms trauma into purpose through national training, advocacy, and leadership. As a mother, caregiver, and long-distance runner, she lives her healing out loud — proving that resilience is not just personal, it’s revolutionary.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I grew up in a small town in South Jersey with two very hardworking parents. My father, with just a 4th grade education, was the 1st entrepreneur I knew. Creating his own company as a contractor in construction and bricklaying. My mother a high school graduate and seamstress built her legacy around being kind and servant. I am the youngest of 10 total siblings and grew up in a house full of people.
You are currently leading an initiative that is helping to promote mental wellness. Can you tell us a bit more specifically about what you are trying to address?
My organizations goals are to help our military connected community have access to safe spaces to help with mental challenges unique to our community. Our spouse and dependents of military have so much on their plate that the average person cannot understand. And our military is a microcosm of our society, meaning violence is not shielded for those in this community. We are poised and ready to provide for our community, but also to educate our surrounding civilian community on how to help. From non-clinical psychoeducation, to workshops around relationships, to trauma-informed care, to post-traumatic resiliency for our advocates, we are the organization that is here to help.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?
On November 22, 2016, I was at the hospital on Fort Hood (Cavasos), Texas about to complete my last appointment as a soldier. On my way to my last appointment, I saw a person who made my life miserable, and I made the decision to verbal say I was going to kill her and then myself. After a few hours a social worker came to see me in my room, where I had been strapped to the bed. She empathetically listened to my story and then told me she did not believe my story ended here. She gave me a 2nd chance. After about a month of depression, I decided I wanted to be just like her. I started my path towards social work and Glass Soldier become the outlet to help other military members just like she helped me.
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest them. They don’t get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?
I wish I could say it was an AHA moment. God gave me a glimpse when I was sitting in the waiting area of my sexual assault trial. I was waiting on a verdict when I heard him tell me. I did not move immediately, that was in 2014. I did not start Glass Soldier until 2020 and it was at the behest of my eldest child, Elijah who pushed me. It was then that I realized my calling. I honestly had no idea where to start but my dissertation work helped and my son was a catalyst for me to move.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
The most interesting thing is I got to share my story in front of my father, who is today 92 and a Korean War Veteran. My father did not know the details of what happened to me in service, nor what my organization did for a few years. And then I was contacted by 4-star Gen. Britto and his team at Fort Eustis, Virgina. They honored my father with an entire day dedicated to him and then I got to tell my story in front of hundreds of soldiers.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
My mother is my biggest cheerleader and champion. When I first launched, she supported everything we did. Her and my father both are my foundation. My mom passed in 2021 after one year and it rocked me. Since then, I have been through so much turmoil but through it all my sister (Tearinea) has stepped in as a surrogate and been the most amazing support system. Without her and my tightknit circle, I would not be here. I now have an amazing man who covers me and is also a Veteran.
According to Mental Health America’s report, over 44 million Americans have a mental health condition. Yet there’s still a stigma about mental illness. Can you share a few reasons you think this is so?
We seem to value strength in the wrong way. We think that silence is strength. That people who do not complain or talk about their problems are to be revered. And there is nothing wrong with keeping some things inside, but not to our own detriment. I also think it is generational. In some ways we still think that “we” don’t discuss those things. Depending on your generation, you may find that some people hid those things that we know are wrong. And that trauma gets continuously passed down.
In your experience, what should a) individuals b) society, and c) the government do to better support people suffering from mental illness?
I believe that a) people should seek out the help that best suits them. Not all therapy/mental health help is a one size fits all. Find what works for you. The internet can provide so much in terms of coping and short-term methods to alleviate certain stressors. b) we can collectively call out stigma in our schools, workplaces and homes. It sometimes is a herd behavior mentality that allows for stigma to continue. And c) fund programs that can fill in the gaps for the most vulnerable. It helps not overload the systems and creates more than just stable people, it also creates stable jobs and an economy.
What are your 5 strategies you use to promote your own well-being and mental wellness?
1 . I run and I advocate for moving trauma out of the body through movement. Running is my #1 go to. I run in the Army 10-Miler every year and this year I am running my first full marathon.
2 . Get comfortable with silence and being still at times of heightened activation. When I am feeling overwhelmed, it is time to pause. No matter where or when. I take deep breaths and sit still.
3 . Learn a useful coping mechanism. I don’t say healthy because that can be misconstrued. Useful because it needs to work if it is going to be repeatedly used. One for me is grounding. I suffer from panic attacks in my sleep. My best technique is to stand up, put my feet to the carpet and feel and look at everything around me. I ground myself while recognizing I am safe and nothing can hurt me.
4 . Find a good hobby that you enjoy even when you are having a bad day. I want to keep in mind that hobbies can be expensive so I want to disclaimer my statement, with it should always be within reason and means. For me it is baking. I love to do this when I am stretched and angry. Then I take them into work or my neighbors. Cookies, cupcakes, pies. Some people like crocheting, painting, woodwork. I say create, it makes you refocus, your brain is rewiring itself and you release serotonin with job well done.
5 . Journal. I know it has been told and taught by everyone, but there is something cathartic about writing out my feelings, my fears but also my future me that I find has added tremendously to my life. I have had a prayer closer ever since the move “The War Room” came out. No matter what house I lived in, even when I was unhoused and living with my father.
What are your favorite books, podcasts, or resources that inspire you to be a mental health champion?
As a social worker, I have tons and tons of resources. My favorite app to share is called “Find Help” because it is a location-based app that helps you find whatever you need, shelter, food, lawyers, doctors, you name it. I read books that will help me elevate my life, like “We Should All be Millionaires”, “Manage Your Time, Manage Your Life, Purposefully”. But most importantly my own journal G.R.I.T to help me stay focused and accountable to all my goals.
If you could tell other people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
I would simple ask them, what legacy do you want to leave?
How can our readers follow you online?
Our organization is on IG at Glass Soldier Org
https://www.instagram.com/glasssoldierorg/
My personal page is https://www.instagram.com/drdiandrapoe/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Mental Health Champions: Why & How Dr Diandra Poe Of ‘Glass Soldier’ Is Helping To Champion Mental was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.