Many Veterans Are Turning To Nature-Based Therapy To Help Them Overcome Their PTSD
Returning home from war and readjusting to civilian life is a challenge for many soldiers. More and more veterans are turning to nature-based therapy for help in overcoming their trauma.
The number of individuals developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is only continuing to increase.
According to an estimate from the National Center for PTSD, seven percent of all veterans will have PTSD in their lifetimes. Among female veterans, that number is raised to thirteen percent.
With mental health concerns on the rise, efforts are being made to identify suitable treatments for struggling veterans. So far, spending time in nature has seemed to generate the most successful results.
For centuries, nature has been used to improve health. For instance, the Ancient Greeks have been said to bathe in natural springs to rest and replenish themselves. And during both of the World Wars, doctors offered horticultural therapy to traumatized soldiers returning from combat.
Additionally, studies have shown that being in the outdoors is beneficial for people’s health in general.
Outdoor activity helps lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduces anxiety and stress, and improves the ability to focus.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs states that less than fifty percent of returning veterans in need of mental health services actually receive it.
They face several barriers, such as stigma and shame, but also a lack of access due to travel distance or long wait times. That’s why some veterans are taking matters into their own hands and pushing for more support.
Andrew Mayovskyy – stock.adobe.com- illustrative purposes only
A Marine Corps veteran named Sean Gobin was inspired to launch a charity called Warrior Expeditions following several deployments from Iraq and Afghanistan. He hiked the entirety of the Appalachian Trail, which gave him peace and allowed him to heal.
The organization sends thirty to forty veterans per year on nature excursions lasting for months to help them overcome their trauma. They provide all the necessary gear and supplies at no cost to the veterans. In addition to meditating and sleeping outdoors, Warrior Expeditions recently incorporated biking, paddling, and hiking into one of their excursions.
In 2020, U.S. Army veteran Mitch Vasquez founded a nonprofit called Heroes’ Harvests, which has veterans participate in outdoor activities, like fishing and hunting trips.
Although there is no shortage of evidence on how spending time in nature has positive impacts, researchers have not yet been able to pinpoint how long the effects can last or why exactly outdoor activity is beneficial.
However, it cannot be denied that many veterans have reported seeing improvements, such as lower stress levels, better home life, and less dependence on substances.
Hopefully, as awareness of the benefits of nature continues to grow, outdoor recreational therapy will become more widely available for veterans and people of all backgrounds.
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