Military using alternative therapies to deal with post-war stress
By Mark Vavoulis • Aug 28th, 2009 • Category: Stress, True Health News
Fort Hood, one of the largest U.S. Army posts, has a major problem: many of its soldiers are reporting symptoms of depression, and a unusually high number of them have committed suicide.
In order to combat the stress felt by service personnel, Fort Hood has created the Resiliency Campus, a series of converted buildings that house several stress-reducing services or activities. Among these is a combat simulation video game that emphasizes management of emotions and reactions in combat situations.
Another stress reduction program is the Warrior Combat Stress Reset camp, which groups 12 soldiers for a three-week period in which they participate in group therapy, yoga, acupuncture, and other activities.
The programs are proving effective, but there are not enough resources to service Fort Hood’s entire population of troops, which exceeds 53,000.
While those with serious mental issues and suicidal thoughts stemming from combat stress require the attention of trained professionals, those with moderate or mild stress-related issues may benefit from St. John’s Wort supplements or aromatherapy with linalool, both of which have been reported to reduce stress. 
Mark Vavoulis
Questions for Mark Vavoulis? | All posts by
Mark Vavoulis



