Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash
Serving in the army is a major source of pride for many people. Lately, however, our country seems to be slipping in an undesirable direction where such great sacrifices are ignored and unappreciated. A quick walk down Skid Row, LA, will give you first-hand evidence of many veterans’ deplorable lives. Despite defending the country and bringing honor to the people, many returnees are faced with homelessness, addiction, and a range of emotional and psychological hurdles, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. Their lived experiences are evidence of the challenges of transitioning from an army to a civilian life. The rigorous structure, camaraderie, and purpose found in the armed forces often stand in stark contrast to the unpredictability and challenges of civilian existence. Without structured, purposeful, and smart initiatives, survival becomes impossible. In this article, we’ll discuss how sports can help veterans cope and thrive among civilians.
The psychological impact of army service
For many people, especially those deployed in war-torn regions, serving in the army can have far-reaching impacts. For instance, testimonies from survivors of the wars in the Middle East have shown us that the intense experiences of active combatants leave lasting impressions. Despite returning home alive, many soldiers have been battling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), insomnia, depression, and anxiety. These experiences make it impossible to have a normal life. The situation is even worse for soldiers without reliable financial backing. Their sense of loss—of purpose, identity, and community—is simply overwhelming. Some returnees have likened the situation to the feeling of falling into a void.
Several studies have shown that regular physical activities can alleviate some symptoms associated with emotional and psychological hurdles, especially as we approach Blue Monday 2024 and its demands. Furthermore, it’s a known fact that exercise leads to the release of happy hormones, also known as endorphins, thus decreasing feelings of sadness and anxiety. In addition, sports make participants feel a sense of accomplishment, which impacts positively on the self-esteem of the veterans who want to regain their place in society.
Physical benefits of sports participation
The physical benefits of sports cannot be overstated. For veterans struggling to find balance in life and career, it can be a significant booster. Studies have shown that regular physical activities help improve cardiovascular health, build strength, and maintain a healthy weight—all essential components for leading a healthier lifestyle. Obesity, for instance, comes with many challenges, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, joint problems, sleep apnea, depression, immobility, increased healthcare costs, and a lower quality of life. By being physically active, you can lower or eliminate the probability of experiencing any of these negative complications.
As a veteran, if you choose to engage in regular moderate-intensity exercises, you can easily shake off sedentary habits of post-service life, reinvigorating your commitment to personal health. Fitness comes with high levels of energy and vitality. You won’t just feel new, but also motivated. Moreover, if you’ve battled depression and anxiety in the past, improving your fitness will counter any lethargic feelings, setting you on the right path to full recovery.
Building community
Of all the benefits people get from participation in sports, this is perhaps one of the finest opportunities for developing a community. The army breeds team spirit among service providers; this spirit is usually missing once individuals are out of the service. Sports can give veterans a chance to socialize and build new relationships based on common interests. For instance, VETSports Chapters provide a structured and reliable framework for veterans to meet, mingle, and form new social alliances and partnerships.
Having such organizations that bring together veterans is vital as each member gets a chance to meet new people who understand their unique experiences. This feeling of belonging is beneficial to mental health, as it can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness that often accompany the transition back to civilian life. It should also be noted that soldiers aren’t allowed to discuss fine details of their deployment. This can mean keeping away from others and other forms of isolation. Programs like VETSports can create safe spaces where they can share their experiences and challenges without judgment.
Sports as a form of therapy
While sports are widely celebrated for their physical benefits, in reality, they offer so much more. For instance, they can serve as a therapeutic outlet for people dealing with trauma or emotional distress. Sports such as Judo, Karate, and Archery require extreme discipline and focus — qualities that studies have found helpful in redirecting negative thoughts and emotions into productive outlets. During the just concluded Olympics, for instance, the world came to a standstill as Shooters and Archers competed, providing some of the most amazing shots. If watching was that satisfying, then practicing and participating in the activities must’ve been absolutely fulfilling and calming.
Professionals in the field of mental health have normalized including sports in therapeutic approaches to develop treatment programs for veterans with PTSD or any other related conditions. These programs focus on mindfulness through sport where veterans direct their energy constructively while dealing with emotions. A notable example is adaptive sports programs meant for injured veterans. Besides improving the reintegration of ex-combatants through rehabilitation, these initiatives also help provide hope and purpose through a goal-oriented approach.
Overcoming barriers to participation
Sometimes knowing that sports can pull you out of a dark place isn’t enough. While many veterans are aware of the benefits of such activities, they face barriers that prevent them from full participation. For instance, some may be mentally unstable to make the right choices. Others may also be physically weak after years of abusing drugs and neglecting the self, thereby incapable of mustering enough power and will to participate in physically demanding sports.
Moreover, while unpaid activities, e.g., walking, jogging, and running are suitable for many, others don’t have the luxury of space to exercise. City life may force such individuals to pay for gym subscriptions, which can be expensive for low-incomers. Lastly, isolation and discrimination can hinder participation. For example, people hardly give drug addicts along Skid Row, LA any attention. This may make it hard for them to join community-based recovery programs or participate in sporting activities.
Go physical and cope with post-service doom and gloom!
Army-to-civilian transformation is never easy; but through sport, many veterans find an essential tool for a seamless transition. By promoting physical health, building community connections, providing therapeutic outlets, and instilling teamwork values, sport has the potential to address many issues faced by returning service members. While they aren’t the magic bullet for solving all veterans’ mental, emotional, and psychological challenges, they offer a genuine opportunity for change, growth, and general well-being.
Born and raised in Bozeman, Montana, he graduated from George State University with an MBA in Actuarial Science. His hobbies include beach volleyball, hiking, fishing, and lifting weights
George is also a certified nutritionist with a passion for health and fitness.
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