Art as Therapy: A Path to Healing for Veterans
Art has long been known for its therapeutic benefits, and for many veterans, it has become a vital tool in managing both physical and mental health challenges. Veterans like Eer Jolson, a Navy veteran, have found solace and healing in carving and painting. For Eer, art became more than just a hobby—it was a way to cope with the stress and pain of recovery from surgery. As he told KCCI News in Iowa, “I get in a zone, and I forget about everything going on. It really helps me to reduce the pain that I deal with.”
The Power of Art for PTSD and Mental Health
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about 7% of veterans struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, for veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, that number rises to 29%. Veterans with PTSD often deal with extreme anxiety, racing thoughts, and depression.
For these veterans, art offers a way to break through the mental barriers created by trauma. Theresa Johnson, a recreational therapist, works with veterans using art as a tool for self-expression and healing. She explains that completing art projects, even something as simple as a painting or carving, gives veterans a sense of accomplishment and boosts their self-esteem.
A Veteran’s Testimony: Art as a Coping Mechanism
Veteran Wendy Cornelius is another example of someone who has benefited from art therapy. She shares how art helps her cope with anxiety and depression. “When I start to feel that, I just get into doodling or painting, and pretty soon, two hours have passed. I don’t have that burning feeling in the pit of my stomach, and my mind quits racing.” For Wendy, art offers not only an escape but also a way to manage her emotions and calm her mind.
The Broader Impact of Art Therapy
Art is subjective, and its beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. For these veterans, however, the real beauty lies in the process of creation and the sense of peace that comes with it. Veterans who engage in art therapy often find that it helps them work through their pain—whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional.
By using art, veterans are reclaiming their sense of self, healing from trauma, and learning new ways to cope with the challenges they face. Programs that incorporate art therapy offer a valuable outlet for veterans struggling with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, allowing them to express their emotions in a non-verbal way that can be deeply healing.
Conclusion: Finding Healing Through Creativity
The journey of recovery is different for every veteran, but art has proven to be a powerful tool in that process. Whether it’s carving, painting, or doodling, veterans like Eer and Wendy are finding new ways to manage their mental health and regain a sense of control over their lives. As they create, they heal.
For more information on how art therapy is helping veterans or to watch the full story, check out the Inside Edition Digital video.