Along with physical injuries, many service members sustain mental wounds during their time in the military. According to the Purple Heart Foundation, nearly a third of US service members who fought in Iraq or Afghanistan experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other related symptoms.
One way veterans can cope with their trauma is through exercise. According to a 2015 paper published in Psychiatry Research, exercise significantly decreased symptoms of PTSD and depression. Another study analyzing the effects of a 12-week exercise program found similar results, in addition to improved sleep quality among participants.
For veterans with PTSD, starting an exercise program can be tricky in that the depressive symptoms of the disorder (e.g., low motivation, poor energy, etc.) make it hard to get going. Moreover, many people with PTSD are loath to experience the increased heart rate and other anxiety-like symptoms that come when the body is aroused by exercise.
Experts note that a person experiencing PTSD should first consult with a doctor to learn about the sorts of activities that are safe to engage in. Some veterans might need to start with a lower-intensity sport like golf.
For these veterans, the Purple Heart Foundation hosts the annual Purple Heart Open. The event, now in its sixth year, not only allows participants to exercise but also puts them in an environment where they can confer with and receive support from their peers. The 6th Annual Purple Heart Open will be held June 12, 2023, in Fairfax, Virginia.
Some veterans may be given clearance by their doctors to engage in higher-intensity exercise. For veterans who are runners, the Purple Heart Foundation holds events like the Purple Heart 5K. Held for the first time in 2022, the Purple Heart 5K raised money for PTSD services and helped to fund other programs benefiting veterans who have been wounded in combat.
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