Expedition Balance: Healing for Combat Vets w/ PTSD
It is difficult these days to read a headline that does not fill you with despair or fear to some degree. Earthquakes, war, unemployment, bickering politicians, global warming, corporate greed — there is enough of it going around to desensitize even the most compassionate of us. And so I understand people’s fascination with reality TV, online video games, and fantasy football.
These distracting influences keep us from being overwhelmed sometimes, and maintaining one’s own balance and sense of “being centered” is critical. Unfortunately, too much attention to the meaningless can insulate and detach us from reality if we aren’t careful. Checking out once in awhile is okay, but too many check out for a lifetime. A better alternative to escapism, I think, is an attitude shift. It allows you to stay centered, while also encouraging greater productivity and joy. Becoming a more positive person can save your life. It is a breakthrough in thinking that can dramatically change your view of the world and its inhabitants. But meaningful change requires that the doors to your heart and mind be open. Are your doors open?
I founded Expedition Balance after a much-needed time out in my for-profit career. With all due respect to the metals industry and those who make it go, it did not make my heart sing. Putting food on the table and a roof over your head are difficult and honorable causes, but when your profession crushes your soul a little every day, it is time to get out. So I did. As an eleven-year veteran of the Navy, educated in the ways of business, and with my mother’s passion to serve others, I decided it was time to (once again) heed the call of duty and work for something bigger than me. The something that reached out and selected me is our effort to help ease the burden of combat veterans suffering from PTSD. Fortunately for me and this great cause, Wayfinder stepped up and offered their services and resources. EB would be nowhere without their help.
The problem is this: at least one in five combat veterans suffers from the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and there are nearly 2 million combat veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan alone. Add to those numbers all the affected vets from the Persian Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, and all the lesser known conflicts during our lifetime, and you begin to see the scope of our challenge. Now consider this: PTSD causes everything from nightmares and flashbacks to suicide, homelessness, domestic violence, alcoholism, drug abuse, loss of hope and productivity, and other debilitating conditions. Almost none of the combat vets that walk away from war with these symptoms, carried them into the conflict. War created the problem. War damaged their spirits and minds. And because the government’s ability to treat this condition is limited, it is necessary for citizens and community efforts to help bridge the gap. Like most good inventions, necessity created Expedition Balance.
Our little group knows that psychotherapy and medications can only go so far in treating PTSD. Sufferers need to find a permanent solution; a long-term means to address the symptoms and bring joy back into their lives. So, EB offers a host of proven methods that don’t come in pill form or a white lab coat; yoga, meditation, nutritional counselling, creative arts therapy, outdoor adventure, and several other remedies of nature. Our vets can participate in our programs and then walk away with tools they can use everyday, in the privacy of their own homes. No prescriptions or referrals required.
So as we approach the point where we are almost set to begin our operations, I wonder if I can do as much for our former warriors as they have already done for me. Two years ago, I was one of those numb souls, living for the paycheck and watching too much TV. A year ago, I began to wake up. Today, I’m honored to serve the men and women who sacrificed much of themselves for the benefit of others. It’s our turn to give them shelter.
Our website will tell you about ways to donate or otherwise help the cause: http://expeditionbalance.org/. Peace.
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May 18th, 2010 at 9:21 amPTSD really is a serious problem. The soldiers who suffer from it have far reaching problems, much greater than most people realize. I’m glad that someone is helping them find balance. Much better than electrocuting them like we did after the World Wars.
Donald from Mallenders in Horses
May 18th, 2010 at 4:55 pm