WARRIORS OF IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN: BY THE NUMBERS
There are 2.6 million Warriors who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. A 2014 study of 2,150 Warriors revealed some startling statistics regarding Post Traumatic Stress that bring into question earlier estimates regarding the number of Warriors affected by their experiences in the combat zone. It is possible that as many as 75% of the respondents of this study suffer from Post Traumatic Stress.
Even if not all respondents do meet the requirements for diagnosis, it is obvious that they are encountering some mental or emotional difficulties after serving in the combat zone and could benefit from opportunities to heal. Unfortunately, most of those who have sought care have not found healing. A recent study by the American Legion found that only 16% of Warriors who were treated at the VA for Post Traumatic Stress with talk-therapy and medication management reported that those methods were clearly beneficial for their health.
Only 16% of Warriors report improvement after undergoing the medication management and talk therapy treatment at the VA.
The VA spends roughly $8,300 per Warrior with PTS, annually.
While many studies are finding that there are a variety of issues with prescribing anti-depressants to treat Post Traumatic Stress, it is no secret within the Warrior community that they are less than ideal. Warriors consistently report that medications make them feel “numb” and come with a whole host of side-effects that affect their overall well-being. Furthermore, medications cannot heal Post Traumatic Stress. They can only mask the symptoms, and at great cost. On the other hand, meditation can literally begin to heal the brain in a matter of weeks, without any side effects.
“SAVE A WARRIOR SAVED MY LIFE”
Save A Warrior believes in challenging conventional thinking. The way we challenge the idea of suicide is so novel and so inspiring, it connects the lives of all who are transformed from sharing in this experience. Since 2012, those who complete Save A Warrior exclaim how our “unique approach to ordinary”… saved their life. We are grateful for your generosity which made the difference; perhaps a lifesaving difference.
Save A Warrior is the original, Warrior-led, timeless heroic journey for active duty military, returning veterans and first responders who feel desperately alone. We offer an alternative holistic service that equips veterans, military personnel, police, firefighters and other first responders with a community of support and effective techniques to overcome the symptoms and addictions associated with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress.
Give us 72 hours and you will change the way you see – and live – your life.*
20
Warriors Lost
Per Day
263000
Veteran Suicides
Since 1979
530000
Sought Treatment
for PTS