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Hi, I’m Jani Skala, a 100% disabled female combat veteran, and I’ve served two tours overseas. My experiences in the military were life-changing, but it’s what came afterward that truly tested my resilience. Coming home meant facing new battles—PTSD, the complexities of civilian life, a lot of trying to fit in and working with civilian females, and after 13 years of being separated from the military, I think I’ve finally got the hang of it—and finding my path to recovery. These challenges didn’t just shape who I am today—they gave me the drive to build something bigger than myself.
Today, I’m on a mission to support fellow veterans, particularly women, and anyone dealing with trauma. My focus is to empower others through wellness, mental health, and the programs I’m building through Clear Mind Health, which I’m developing into an academy aimed at holistic wellness and recovery. This blog is where I’ll share my journey, my insights, and my vision for a healthier future.
My Story: From Combat to Civilian Life—The Reality of Reintegration
After two combat tours, I came home to a world that felt unfamiliar, almost distant. The shift from military life to civilian life is something that many veterans struggle with, but for me, it was compounded by PTSD and the physical toll that comes with years of service. Depression, anxiety, and isolation followed me, as they do for many of us who’ve served.
But my story doesn’t start with the military. I come from a broken home, raised by a single mother with addiction issues. Relationships have been something I’ve had to constantly work on throughout my life. These experiences, both in my upbringing and during my time in the military, have deeply impacted who I am. But I refused to let those struggles define me.
Instead, they became the driving force behind my mission—to build Clear Mind Health, a business dedicated to offering wellness programs that address both the mind and body. This is my way of helping veterans and others dealing with trauma find true recovery and healing.
Charlie Mike: Supporting Veterans and Advancing Research
One thing I’ve learned is that recovery can be a long and often expensive journey, especially when it comes to therapy, nutrition, and rehabilitation. That’s why I’m also building Charlie Mike, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans and individuals living with trauma by helping them access Clear Mind Health programs.
But Charlie Mike is about more than just financial support. It will also help fund and support research dedicated to trauma, nutrition, and wellness. By investing in research, I want to push the boundaries of how we approach healing and provide even better, evidence-based solutions for those dealing with trauma.
Charlie Mike exists to ensure that those in need don’t fall through the cracks, creating pathways to wellness for people who might otherwise be unable to access the care they deserve.
Why Holistic Wellness Matters
If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my personal journey, it’s that you can’t separate physical health from mental health. They are deeply intertwined. My own path to recovery has shown me how vital it is to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. That’s why I’m so passionate about integrating holistic wellness into everything I do at Clear Mind Health.
Therapy: Therapy has been a crucial part of my healing process, and it’s something I believe every veteran should have access to. It’s not a sign of weakness to seek help—it’s a sign of strength. My mission is to break the stigma around mental health and provide veterans with the tools they need to heal from the inside out. I also work alongside the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation in helping spread PTSD awareness through the annual Brady’s Legacy Ruck March. You can learn more about it at bradyslegacyruck.com
Nutrition: During my recovery, I realized how much my diet was impacting my mental and physical health. I switched to a high-protein, low-carb diet that’s been key in reducing inflammation and keeping my body strong. I’m a firm believer that food is medicine, and it’s a powerful tool that I plan to incorporate into the programs at Clear Mind Health.
Exercise: Physical strength has always been important to me, not just for the physical benefits but for the mental clarity and emotional balance it brings. Weight training has been a cornerstone of my recovery, and I want to bring this kind of empowerment to others through the programs I’m developing. CrossFit has shown me that workouts can be quick and intense, improving mobility. It’s also taught me that everyone is different, and that’s okay.
Pursuing a PhD: The Next Chapter in My Journey
One of my long-term goals is to earn a PhD in a field of bio-psychology or health psychology. I’m fascinated by the intersection of the brain, body, and behavior, and I want to deepen my understanding of how these systems work together to impact wellness. But this goal is about more than personal achievement. It’s about building the expertise to make Clear Mind Health even more impactful.
With the knowledge I gain, I’ll be able to offer a more comprehensive, science-backed approach to healing that blends diet, therapy, and rehabilitation. This isn’t just about helping people cope—it’s about helping them thrive, long-term.
Why I’m Sharing My Story
I’m sharing my story because I want others to know that they aren’t alone. I know what it feels like to be stuck in the darkness of PTSD, feeling like there’s no way out, feeling like this is who you are and that it will never get better or change. But there is a way forward, and it starts with taking control of your wellness. I’ve been through the hard times, and I’m still on my journey—but I’m not just surviving anymore. I’m thriving, and I want to help others do the same.
Psychotropics can help, but they are a short-term solution—a band-aid for deeper wounds. Let’s make your health and wellness the introduction to feeling better, instead of relying on drugs as the first line of defense.
This blog is where I’ll share my thoughts on wellness, mental health, and nutrition, with practical tips that anyone—especially veterans—can use to improve their quality of life. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. And I’m here to guide you through it.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Keep Going
The mission isn’t over. In fact, it’s just getting started. I’ve made it my life’s work to help others heal, grow, and move forward. Whether you’re a veteran, someone dealing with PTSD, or simply interested in living a healthier life, I’m here to offer guidance and support. Together, we can continue the mission—stronger, healthier, and more resilient than ever.
I invite you to join me on this journey. Follow along as I share my story, my progress, and actionable tips for living a strong, balanced life. Together, we can Charlie Mike—continue the mission—toward a brighter, healthier future.
-Jani
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