Art programs give hope to veterans facing PTSD

Key Concepts

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A mental health condition triggered by a terrifying event, common among veterans.
• Parasympathetic Nervous System: A part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for calming the body and promoting relaxation. Activated through activities like singing.
• Arts Therapy: Utilizing creative arts (singing, pottery, visual arts, etc.) as a therapeutic intervention for mental health challenges.
• Camaraderie & Community: The importance of social connection and shared experience in healing from trauma.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Recognizing the impact of trauma and tailoring approaches to support healing.

The Healing Power of Art for Veterans: A Report from Seattle

This report from PBS News Hour, filed by Stephanie Sy in Seattle, examines the growing use of arts programs as a therapeutic intervention for veterans struggling with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The piece highlights the work of Path with Art, a Seattle nonprofit, and its successful veterans program.

PTSD Prevalence and the Need for Alternative Therapies

The report begins by establishing the high prevalence of PTSD among veterans, specifically noting that nearly 20% of female veterans report experiencing symptoms at some point in their lives. It emphasizes that traditional treatments, like medication, aren’t always sufficient. As stated by a representative from Path with Art, “When you have a mental health crisis, there's no one magic pill that's going to solve it all. And so the arts can play a role in helping fill that gap.” This underscores the need for complementary and alternative therapies.

Path with Art: Program Overview and Growth

Path with Art offers a diverse range of free arts programming to low-income adults and veterans, including classes in podcasting, pottery, acting, and fashion design. Since its launch in 2019, the veterans program has experienced significant growth, now comprising a quarter of the organization’s total program participation. This growth “really did show that there was a need,” according to Holly Jacobson. The program also uniquely employs veterans as teachers, fostering a supportive and relatable environment.

Veteran Stories: Personal Experiences with Trauma and Healing

The report features the stories of two veterans: K, a 24-year veteran of the United States Air Force, and Randy, a seven-year Air Force veteran discharged in the early 1980s for being gay.

• K’s Story: K began processing her battlefield experiences after retiring in 2019 and was subsequently diagnosed with PTSD. She found solace and a “way of kind of finding my voice again” through singing with fellow servicemembers. The isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated her symptoms, making the community aspect of the program particularly vital.
• Randy’s Story: Randy experienced the trauma of being discharged from the Air Force due to his sexual orientation, prior to the implementation of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” He emphasizes the importance of community and self-expression, stating, “I need community, I need camaraderie, I need to be able to express myself.” He has been attending Path with Art for years.

The Role of Art in Processing Trauma

The report highlights how different art forms facilitate healing. Donna Baker, an art teacher at Path with Art and a veteran herself, uses mixed media, including yarn, in her classes. She explains that art “calms me down. It relaxes my mind. I don't feel anxious, I don't feel like I have to battle the world.” Baker, a survivor of sexual assault during her time in the army, connects deeply with the veterans she teaches, understanding their “feelings, their angst, their pain-and-suffering.”

Another veteran artist’s work, a mask titled “Explosive Emotions,” visually represents the consequences of suppressing trauma for extended periods. She explains the mask represents “when you try to suppress who you are and your feelings for so long, with all that you've been through, that eventually is just going to explode.” This illustrates the power of art as a means of externalizing and processing difficult emotions.

Neurological Basis for Arts Therapy

Susan, co-author of “Your Brain on Art” and an assistant professor of neurology, provides a scientific perspective. She explains that trauma isn’t something one can simply “get over” and that “the arts and aesthetic experiences can be incredibly valuable.” She specifically points to singing as an activity that activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation, connection, and physiological calm. As she states, “Something as simple as singing…connects you to each other, calms your physiology and makes you just feel better.”

Transformation and Hope

The report concludes by emphasizing the transformative potential of the program. Shonda, a veteran participant, reflects on her journey, stating, “For eight long time, I was trying to get back to that version of Shonda was. But she isn't here anymore. And mourning that loss and celebrating the opportunity of developing a new Shonda is something this was extremely instrumental in making happen.” The program offers a pathway from a painful past towards a more hopeful future.

This report demonstrates the significant role the arts can play in supporting the mental health of veterans, offering a valuable complement to traditional treatment approaches and fostering a sense of community and healing.