A soon-to-be published study reveals that participating in intense sports and outdoor activities is an effective alternative treatment to post-traumatic stress disorder. Rather than traditional methods, such as medication and therapy, veterans are finding better ways to cope with PTSD and feelings of depression, isolation, and paranoia–brought on from wartime service in the U.S. military–through team sports, such as rugby, and outdoor activities, such as camping and hunting. The author of the study, Tracey Burraston, said that the alternative method does not directly treat the brain or its chemical composition, but it helps alleviate the symptoms of PTSD. Her three-year study, included the observation and analysis of 32 veterans, aged 25-50 years old, and it concluded that sports can reduce anxiety in many patients with PTSD.
The Crossroads of Special Operations