“My family didn’t recognize me:” FGCU program helps Coast Guard veteran & others [Video]

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Lauren Rodriguez is a Florida Gulf Coast University student. She also served in the Coast Guard.

“I was in a very dark place,” Rodriguez said.

WATCH: what changed Lauren’s experience in the military forever.

“My family didn’t recognize me:” FGCU program helps Coast Guard veteran & others

She served for four years and was stationed in La Push, Washington. Rodriguez and her team were called to help a group of civilians stranded on a sinking ship.

“I wasn’t able to save those lives,” she said.

She says the treatment she endured while serving, coupled with the trauma from that day, brought her a season of depression.

“My family didn’t recognize me. They had no idea who I was. I wasn’t my bubbly self,” she said.

Angie De Lima is the Operations and Special Projects Manager for Home Base Florida. It’s an organization that offers cognitive behavioral therapy, personal training, and so much more. It’s located on FGCU’s campus where all veterans can find support.

“40% …