Nature Empowers Veterans on the Journey Beyond PTSD

Outdoor Therapy and Recovery: How Nature Helps Veterans Heal

The transition from military service to civilian life can feel intimidating and overwhelming. Veterans returning home often face nervous challenges as they try to figure a path through the tricky parts of post-deployment life. For many, the great outdoors has become more than just a recreational space—it’s a healing companion. In this opinion piece, we explore how nature, adaptive sports, and outdoor adventures can help veterans manage post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and reconnect with a sense of meaning and community.

Adaptive Sports: A New Beginning for Disabled Veterans

Sandi Braunstein’s story is a powerful example of determination and resilience. Despite a serious injury that led to the amputation of her left leg, Sandi reclaimed her love for skiing. Using a bi-sit ski—a special piece of adaptive equipment with a molded seat mounted on a frame and two skis—she is able to glide down snowy slopes at resorts like Snowmass in Colorado.

The experience is described by Sandi as both thrilling and nerve-racking. “When you go down the hill, it is both thrilling and terrifying,” she explains, emphasizing that while the ride is filled with moments that can scare even the bravest, the overall experience is liberating. Adaptive sports like bi-sit skiing provide not only physical challenge but also an emotional release that can help rebuild confidence and foster recovery.

Adaptive sports are structured to cater to the individual needs of veterans. They encourage participants to take a closer look at their abilities and strengths. For many disabled veterans, these sports have helped them regain balance in life—both figuratively and literally. The benefits of using adaptive equipment include:

Improved physical fitness and strength
Enhanced coordination and balance
Increased self-confidence and empowerment
A strong sense of community and support

This approach shows that recovery isn’t just about medication or therapy alone—it’s also about engaging in activities that remind veterans that they are capable, strong, and deserving of joy in everyday life.

Outdoor Recreation: A Natural Treatment for PTSD

The fresh air and open space provided by nature have long been appreciated by those looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Yet for veterans dealing with the confusing bits of PTSD, the outdoors offers a powerful counterbalance to a life filled with anxiety and flashbacks.

Research suggests that outdoor recreation can significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Unlike some traditional therapies that may feel overwhelming or off-putting, spending time in nature can be a gentle but effective way to manage the subtle parts of mental health challenges. Outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and paddling allow veterans to take a closer look at their symptoms in a supportive, calm environment. Key benefits include:

Reduction of stress and cortisol levels
Improvement in sleep patterns by establishing natural routines
Enhanced heart rate and blood pressure regulation
Boosting overall mood through physical activity and social interaction

This holistic approach is not meant to replace standard clinical treatment, but rather to complement it. Many veterans find that, after spending several hours or even days immersed in natural settings, their sense of peace, focus, and well-being is reinvigorated. Scientists now appreciate that outdoor therapy can nurture both body and mind—a dual benefit that traditional indoor activities simply cannot match.

Wilderness Recovery Programs: Beyond Traditional Therapy

Stories from veterans like Sean Gobin illustrate how a deep dive into extensive outdoor adventures can pave the way for recovery. After serving multiple combat tours and experiencing severe PTSD symptoms, Gobin reached a breaking point. In a bid to heal, he embarked on a 2,200-mile trek along the Appalachian Trail—a journey that started at Springer Mountain in Georgia and ended in Maine.

For Sean, this wasn’t just a test of physical endurance; it was a critical step toward mental clarity. The long-distance hike provided a space in which he could unplug from the constant noise of intrusive memories and experience nature in its raw, unfettered form. Over a span of four and a half months, with each step the weight of past traumas began to lighten.

Inspired by his personal journey, Sean Gobin founded Warrior Expeditions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans use outdoor adventures as a means of dealing with their inner demons. The program offers trips lasting three to six months that include hiking, paddling, and biking expeditions—all designed to help veterans process their traumas slowly and steadily in nature.

Below is a summary of how wilderness recovery programs help veterans:

Activity	Benefits
Hiking	Improves cardiovascular health; fosters self-reflection
Paddling	Enhances balance; builds teamwork and trust
Biking	Boosts fitness; provides steady rhythm that soothes the mind

This multifaceted approach shows that a commitment to wholesomely engaging with the outdoors can serve as a powerful complement to supervised psychotherapy. Veterans participating in these outdoor journeys often report a noticeable reduction in symptoms after the expedition, paired with a resurgence in enthusiasm and hope.

Adaptive Equipment and Its Impact on Inclusion in Outdoor Activities

Adaptive technology in recreational sports has transformed the way disabled veterans experience the outdoors. The bi-sit ski, for example, is just one among many innovative pieces of equipment that allow individuals with mobility challenges to participate fully in winter sports.

These devices are designed to accommodate varied physical needs. By providing stability and support, adaptive equipment allows veterans to engage with activities that might otherwise be too intimidating or overwhelming. The inclusion of adaptive sports in recovery programs is particularly beneficial when veterans feel isolated or disconnected from their communities. The following points showcase how adaptive equipment fosters inclusion:

Increases accessibility for veterans with physical disabilities
Encourages a spirit of independence and self-reliance
Provides opportunities to socialize with peers facing similar challenges
Helps build resilience and a positive self-image

Seeing a veteran like Sandi Braunstein confidently skiing down the slopes, supported by coaches who are dedicated to aiding her journey, embodies the transformative power of adaptive sports. It’s about more than just the physical act of skiing; it’s a declaration of independence and defiance of the limits imposed by injury.

The Therapeutic Effects of Regular Outdoor Engagement

The benefits of outdoor recreation extend well beyond the realm of physical fitness. Spending time in nature has a significant effect on mental health by helping to stabilize mood, reduce stress, and combat the isolating effects that can come after military service. Even small acts—like taking a walk in the park or simply sitting on a patch of grass—can have a positive impact on well-being.

Veterans who incorporate daily interactions with nature often report a decrease in anxiety and depressive symptoms. The calming influence of green spaces and open air provides a welcome refuge from the tangled issues of everyday stress. Here are some key reasons why regular contact with nature is super important for mental recovery:

Reduction of Cortisol Levels: Being in nature lowers the body’s stress hormone, making it easier to relax.
Enhanced Cognitive Function: Exposure to natural surroundings can improve focus and problem-solving skills.
Social Interaction: Outdoor activities often lead to forming supportive relationships with others who have shared experiences.
Mindfulness and Presence: Nature helps individuals stay grounded in the moment, making it easier to face and process emotional challenges.

Building Community Through Outdoor Adventures

The camaraderie forged on a rugged mountain trail or during a long, challenging hike is unlike any other. The small distinctions and little twists of friendship that develop in these settings help veterans feel part of a larger, supportive network. For many veterans, the social bonds they form during these outdoor activities become a cornerstone of their recovery process.

Consider the story of veterans who embark on multi-day wilderness trips. These shared experiences build trust, camaraderie, and mutual respect—qualities that are sometimes eroded by life after the military. A few core benefits of building community through outdoor adventures include:

Enhanced Emotional Support: Colleagues who understand the struggles of PTSD can provide empathetic care.
Shared Accomplishments: Triumphs in the wilderness serve as tangible milestones of progress.
Rekindled Purpose: Working together towards a common goal can reignite a veteran’s sense of mission.
Positive Peer Influence: Witnessing others overcome similar challenges fosters hope and inspiration.

This sense of community not only aids in easing the off-putting aspects of living with PTSD but also helps veterans rediscover facets of their identity that were overshadowed by the stresses of military service. The outdoors serves as an equalizer, allowing veterans from various backgrounds to stand side by side, share their struggles, and celebrate their victories together.

Policy and Advocacy: Federal Initiatives Supporting Outdoor Therapy

Government initiatives and veteran advocacy groups have recognized the super important role that outdoor activities play in the mental health of veterans. In 2020, federal legislation, supported by veteran advocacy groups, was successfully passed. This law launched several programs aimed at helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life while addressing mental health concerns through creative and complementary approaches.

Key elements of such policy changes include:

Veterans Administration Task Forces: These groups are charged with researching and evaluating the effectiveness of outdoor recreation therapy.
Community-Based Programs: Funding initiatives help create local outdoor therapy programs that are accessible to veterans everywhere.
Integrated Treatment Approaches: Policies encourage combining traditional psychotherapy with physical outdoor activities.
Increased Funding and Awareness: Financial support for adaptive sports equipment and outdoor programs is on the rise, allowing more veterans to benefit from these interventions.

Veteran advocates, such as Trent Dilks from Disabled American Veterans, have spoken about their personal struggles with PTSD and how nature served as a remedy. In his own words, after an exhausting military deployment and the unsettling experience of coming back home to a noisy, fast-paced society, he found solace on mountain trails. Trent’s story, with its honest description of the challenges and triumphs of reintegration, reinforces the idea that policy initiatives are not only beneficial—they are essential for life-saving change.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Outdoor Therapy Into Daily Life

While extended wilderness expeditions like those offered by Warrior Expeditions are transformative, not every veteran has the opportunity to commit months to outdoor therapy. Fortunately, there are many simpler ways to embrace nature as part of a daily healing routine. Here are some practical tips that veterans—and their families—can use to introduce outdoor activities into their everyday lives:

Daily Walks in the Park: Even a short walk can clear the mind and provide a moment of peace.
Gardening or Volunteering: Engaging in community or garden work offers both exercise and social interaction.
Joining Local Outdoor Clubs: Many communities offer hiking, bird watching, or cycling groups that welcome veterans.
Mindfulness Practices in Natural Settings: Incorporate yoga or meditation in a nearby green space to further relax and center the mind.

By integrating these activities into daily routines, veterans can gradually rewire their brains in a less intense environment. Such small steps, taken consistently, offer a pathway toward stabilizing emotions and fostering long-term emotional resilience.

Psychological Insights: The Mental Health Benefits of Nature

Psychologists emphasize that regular exposure to nature delivers super important benefits by redefining our relationship with stress and anxiety. With the constant barrage of stressors, especially the confusing bits of unresolved trauma, spending time outdoors rebalances the brain’s natural chemistry.

Matthew Kaler, a psychologist working with the Veterans Administration in Minneapolis, sums it up well. He notes that reconnecting with natural environments can reignite a sense of purpose and help numb the effects of debilitating symptoms. Kaler explains that outdoor activities allow veterans to:

Replace irritability with boosted levels of dopamine and serotonin
Engage with the physical world in ways that reduce hypervigilance
Learn to appreciate small moments of calm and peace

These psychological effects highlight how powerful nature can be as a supplement to traditional therapy. By reducing the intensity of negative mental states, outdoor recreation serves as a valuable component in the larger toolkit of mental health treatment strategies.

Stories of Transformation: From Isolation to Connection

Across the United States, many veterans have experienced a night-and-day difference by incorporating outdoor therapy into their recovery routines. Sean Gobin’s journey on the Appalachian Trail is just one example among many. Before setting foot on that long, rugged path, Sean struggled with isolation—a common issue among veterans dealing with PTSD.

The extended time in nature provided him a canvas to express and process long-buried emotions. The benefits he experienced during his trek were so profound that he was driven to help others experience similar transformations. Through Warrior Expeditions, he has helped countless veterans recover by providing them with the opportunity to disconnect from the loud, chaotic world of urban life and reconnect with the natural world.

Other veterans, like Trent Dilks, share their experiences of finding healing outside traditional treatment methods. For Trent, the memory of conquering mountain trails, feeling the wind blow through his hair, and laughing with friends during a challenging hike continues to provide relief during times of stress. His heartfelt anecdotes serve as a reminder that nature offers a unique space where the small distinctions of personal struggle can be transformed into stories of triumph and renewal.

Long-Term Benefits of Combining Therapy with Outdoor Activities

Veterans who participate in outdoor therapy programs often experience benefits that extend far beyond the immediate moment of relief. Sustained engagement with nature has been shown to have lasting effects on both mental and physical health. Here are some of the key long-term benefits:

Improved Physical Health: Regular physical activity reduces the risk of chronic diseases and enhances overall fitness.
Resilience to Stress: Consistent exposure to natural environments helps build a mental buffer against stress.
Enhanced Social Connections: Long-term participation in group outdoor activities creates networks of support that last for years.
Lasting Psychological Relief: The cumulative effects of reduced cortisol levels and increased endorphins contribute to a more stable emotional life.

Many outdoor therapy programs incorporate monthly check-ins and follow-up sessions to track progress. Veteran participants often note that the resilience developed on a long hike or an extended camping trip gradually seeps into other areas of their lives, resulting in improved interpersonal relationships and a renewed sense of purpose in everyday life.

Addressing the Nitty-Gritty: Overcoming Social and Emotional Isolation

One of the often overlooked benefits of outdoor therapy is its role in mitigating social isolation. The life of a veteran can sometimes feel loaded with issues—moments when the twists and turns of reintegration seem too much to bear. Outdoor programs, by design, create environments where cooperation and mutual support are not only encouraged but are central to the experience.

Programs like Warrior Expeditions are carefully structured so that each participant can work through their challenges while surrounded by others facing similar struggles. This collective journey helps break down the barriers of emotional isolation. The team-based nature of these activities means that veterans get to share their hidden complexities and subtle parts, opening the door to conversations that are both healing and affirming.

When veterans share a trail or tackle a challenging outdoor obstacle course together, they are given the chance to witness firsthand that their challenges are manageable and that they are far from alone. The experience of completing an outdoor challenge often leads to spontaneous, genuine expressions of joy and camaraderie—moments that alleviate the sense of isolation and rebuild social bonds.

Integrating Outdoor Therapy Into Mainstream Mental Health Strategies

Given the growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of nature-based therapies, it is critical that mental health professionals and policymakers work together to incorporate outdoor therapy into mainstream treatment programs for veterans. This synergy between clinical and nontraditional approaches offers a multi-pronged strategy to tackle the full spectrum of post-traumatic stress symptoms.

Key considerations for this integration include:

Training for Therapists: Educating mental health professionals on how to incorporate nature-based interventions into their treatment plans.
Partnerships with Community Organizations: Leveraging local park services, outdoor clubs, and nonprofit groups that specialize in adaptive sports can extend the reach of therapy programs.
Funding and Resource Allocation: Ensuring that grants and federal funding streams support both traditional and outdoor-based therapies to provide a balanced approach to care.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Collaborating with academic institutions to track progress and generate data on how effective these programs are at reducing PTSD symptoms over the long term.

This integrated approach not only aids in rebalancing the body’s natural chemistry after prolonged stress but also makes therapy feel less intimidating and more accessible for veterans who might be resistant to conventional treatment modalities.

Finding Your Path: A Personal Call to Embrace the Outdoors

The power of the natural world to fortify our spirits should not be underestimated. Veterans are encouraged to take even the smallest steps toward integrating outdoor time into their lives. Whether it’s a casual walk in a local park, a day-long hike, or an extended camping expedition, the benefits are tangible.

Every veteran’s journey is unique, and while the challenges of PTSD may feel on edge or overwhelming at times, the simple act of going outside can inspire a renewed sense of wonder and purpose. The fresh air, open skies, and friendly chatter of fellow outdoor enthusiasts create a healing environment where the tangled, confusing bits of trauma can slowly be replaced by trust and resilience.

For anyone finding it difficult to steer through the maze of PTSD, nature offers an accessible and organic way to start the journey toward healing. With adaptive sports, wilderness recovery programs, and daily interactions with the outdoors, the road to recovery is illuminated by natural light—one step, one moment, and one new adventure at a time.

Conclusion: Embracing a Future of Healing Through Nature

Outdoor therapy represents a powerful, multifaceted approach to addressing the subtle details of PTSD in veterans. By embracing adaptive sports, engaging in wilderness recovery programs, and integrating regular outdoor activities into their daily lives, veterans are finding new ways to heal from the residual effects of trauma.

The stories of individuals like Sandi Braunstein, Sean Gobin, and Trent Dilks serve as testament to the transformative power of nature. Their journeys remind us all that healing is not confined to the walls of a therapy room but can be found in the open skies and rugged trails of the great outdoors.

Policy makers, mental health professionals, and community organizations are now recognizing that providing access to outdoor therapy is not just a luxury—it is a super important, life-changing resource for veterans. As research continues to reveal the tangible benefits of physically engaging with nature, it’s clear that outdoor therapy has the potential to revolutionize traditional mental health treatments.

If you or a loved one are grappling with post-traumatic stress, consider the possibility of stepping outside. Whether it means taking a moment to appreciate a patch of grass, joining a local hiking group, or signing up for an extensive outdoor program, the journey to recovery can begin with a single step. Let nature remind you that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, there is hope, healing, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

Ultimately, the call to embrace the outdoors is a call to reclaim a part of ourselves that may have been lost or diminished by the traumatic experiences of war. It’s an invitation to not only find your way through the maze of post-deployment life but to rebuild it, piece by piece, in the vast, welcoming expanse of nature.

The adventure of healing is ongoing, and the steps taken in natural surroundings contribute to a future where veterans can thrive—both physically and emotionally. With each breath of fresh air and every carefully navigated trail, veterans find that the path to recovery is not one they have to walk alone.

Originally Post From https://www.austindailyherald.com/2025/05/veterans-with-ptsd-turn-to-the-outdoors-to-improve-mental-health/