nation. Although challenging, WWP›s multiday mental health rehabilitative opportunities provide safe, private environments for warriors to express themselves and discuss their combat action. At the end of the program, injured veterans share lessons learned from the activities that impacted their personal struggles most and set achievable goals for their recoveries. “It’s simply amazing,” Jessica said. “I didn’t know what to expect at first. I couldn’t see this working since we didn’t know each other. But having the support of other lady warriors who are dealing with similar struggles – it turned out to be the best tool we had at the event. Sometimes, it’s hard to put something out there when you are still dealing with it inside. But trusting the process completely changed my thinking on how to cope. There were a lot of emotions and anxiety, but the experience allowed us to come together and share our journeys.”
Peer support plays an important role in the recovery process for veterans dealing with the invisible wounds of war as they rely upon each other’s learned experiences when managing day-to-day challenges. This special type of therapy reintroduces injured veterans to the unique bonds experienced during military service. Rarely duplicated in the civilian world, these relationships act as a secure bedrock that paves the road to recovery. WWP recognizes and honors the service and sacrifice of those who have dedicated their lives to our great nation. Veterans comprise a wide range of our nation’s finest, from those who protect and serve on homeland to those who deploy to ensure the realization of freedom across the globe. Together, these brave men and women fight beside each other, enduring the same battles abroad and at home after deployment.
WWP stands ready to help warriors, their families, and caregivers with comprehensive support for mental and physical health, continuing education and employment assistance, and warrior outreach and reintegration into local communities. Jessica said she immediately felt the impact of the multi-day mental health workshop and is excited for new opportunities to further her growth in recovery and heal the veterans around her. “I was approached by Wounded Warrior Project staff to help with future mental health workshops through a warrior support role.” It seems only appropriate. After all, it was warrior support that gave her the boost in her own recovery.
About Wounded Warrior Project The mission of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. The WWP purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To learn more about WWP and Warrior Care Network™, visit woundedwarriorproject.org. (Photos courtesy WWP) www.homelandmagazine.com
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