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ASKING FOR HELP IS STRENGTH NOT WEAKNESS

The Combat Stress Recovery Program (CSRP) addresses the mental health and cognitive needs of warriors returning from war. CSRP provides services at key stages during a warrior's readjustment process.

While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and combat/operational stress are common after war-time experiences, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) approaches these issues from the warrior's perspective. We understand the stigma attached to mental health, access to care, and interpersonal relationship challenges.

Our approach to meeting mental health needs of warriors is two-fold:

• We challenge warriors to think about goal-setting and understanding their "new normal." Many warriors begin their journey with Project Odyssey™, an outdoor, rehabilitative retreat that promotes peer connection, challenging outdoor experiences, and healing with other combat veterans.
   
• We assist warriors in navigating mental health resources that help process their combat experience. Restore Warriors^® is an online tool that teaches warriors more about the invisible wounds of war. Videos of fellow warriorrs sharing their own experience and strategies, self-assessment tools, and exercises provide valuable insight into readjustment challenges.

Understanding the Effects of Combat and Operational Stress and Trauma

Deployments to war-zones change service members and their families. Some of the changes are positive. For example, personal and professional growth due to the ability to face intense challenges and adversities competently. Combat and operational experiences can also be traumatic and produce lasting emotional wounds. Examples of traumatic deployment experiences are threat to life, the loss of others, and seeing the wounded and the dying. 

Exposure to traumatic combat and operational experiences affects service members and veterans spiritually, psychologically, biologically, and socially. A veteran with a good job, good social supports, and a healthy leisure routine may have an easier readjustment to civilian life. If your scars are getting in the way of your relationships, work, or other important activities, or if things are getting worse rather than better, it is important that you take steps to get the help you need. Check out the links below - do any of the points listed apply to your situation? 

• Common Reactions to Combat and Operational Stress and Trauma
• Mental Health Problems Associated with Combat/Operational Stress and Trauma
• Is Mental Health Treatment for Me?

Restore Warriors™

Restore Warriors is an anonymous website with resources and self-help strategies for warriors living with the invisible wounds of war, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), combat and operational stress, or depression.
Learn more!

Useful Resources

Here are a few helpful resources:

WWP Connect™
WWP Resource Center
How can I find help?
Project Odyssey™

Project Odyssey™

Project Odyssey is an outdoor, rehabilitative retreat that helps warriors overcome combat stress through shared experiences with peers and connecting with nature.
Learn more!