On Veteran’s Day, we honor the sacrifices of all of the brave men and women who fight tirelessly for our freedom. For many veterans, the battle doesn’t end once they leave the battlefield. It’s estimated that an average of 15% of veterans suffer from PTSD. That number jumps to 30% among veterans who served in Vietnam.
It’s important to note that more than 50% of veterans diagnosed with PTSD do not receive formal mental health treatment.
The need for after-care and support is clear. We are proud to do our part in supporting the well-being and mental health of our country’s heroes by offering Therapeutic Virtual Reality programs.
Currently, trained mental health professionals are testing the effectiveness of Virtual Reality as a tool in exposure therapy. In these cases, veterans with PTSD diagnosis visit their triggers in a controlled environment.
The idea behind exposure therapy is that by facing their triggers, veterans can begin to rework their emotions.
“What we want to do is dislocate those triggers from the anxiety, so that from now on, a person could smell diesel fuel and not worry an IED is going to explode and their best friend is going to be killed,” – Deborah Beidel, Clinical Director.
We’re excited for more research to emerge on this project. In the meantime, Virtu-Well is proud to offer Veteran’s 15% off of individual recreational sessions during the month of November.
And while we don’t offer exposure therapy, through our recreational programs we have the power to bring Veterans back to some of the happier moments of their lives. A favorite vacation, a honeymoon, or any other great adventure.
We would also like to give veterans the ability to do things they’ve always wanted to but were too busy to, because they were fighting for our freedom. Experiences like skydiving, swimming with sharks, or taking that long-awaited and well-deserved trip to Italy for the Carnival of Venice.
Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. Our team will work to create these unique opportunities, perfectly tailored for each individual and modified for all levels of physical ability.
Virtu-Well stands in solidarity with the men and women who fight to keep our country safe. If it weren’t for you we wouldn’t be able to do what we love. Thank you!
If you are a veteran struggling with PTSD, please call The Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or send a text to 838255