Recreational therapy improves Veterans’ mental health

Tennessee Valley VA’s recreational therapy program offers several opportunities for Veterans looking to improve their mental and physical health. One of those opportunities is Project Healing Waters.

Joshua Green, a volunteer service specialist at Tennessee Valley VA, didn’t envision himself with a group like Project Healing Waters in Chattanooga, but life seemed to have a different plan for him. His co-workers encouraged him to join and said how he would benefit from the healing and stress relief.

“Like a lot of other stuff, the first step, the first meeting is the hardest,” said Green, a Marine Corps Veteran. “I talked to Ross Schweinforth, program lead for Project Healing Waters, a few times and then finally made the decision to come on out there and check it out.”

The most difficult part in healing is taking that first step. Just like the first step into the recruiter’s office, entering a meeting with new people and surroundings can be anxiety inducing and deter most individuals.

According to Sarah Howard, recreational therapist, Veterans dealing with mental health barriers may find it challenging to muster the courage needed to take that first step toward healing. Too often, the buildup of anxiety can impact Veterans in ways they may not be aware of. Recreational Therapy programs and organizations like Project Healing Waters give Veterans a chance to channel their stress in active and positive ways.

For Project Healing Waters, that outlet is fly fishing

Green is not the first or last Veteran to find camaraderie in the organization. Schweinforth, a Veteran, started the Chattanooga chapter of Project Healing Waters. He saw the need to combine his joy of fly fishing with the need to help Veterans work through their stress and re-connect to their community.

“It’s an organization that cares about healing mentally, physically and socially. It’s healing your wounds. I’m blessed and I don’t believe in coincidence, but God sent me here for a reason,” said Daniel Ferrere, Sr., Veteran and member of Project Healing Waters.

Each meeting of the Chattanooga chapter teaches Veterans various skills such as fly tying, casting and more. Veterans are educated and led by chapter volunteers with more than 200 years of combined fly fishing experience. It is an environment where Veterans from all generations come together regardless of experience and have a chance to learn a new skill.

“After the first meeting, I was completely hooked,” said Green.

The use of a fly fishing rod, reel and fly may appear simple compared to the rigors of military field manuals, but the volunteers at Project Healing Waters are up to the task of training Veterans.

What makes fly fishing a stress relief opportunity is that it can be practiced almost anywhere. Before the meeting, several pairs of Veterans and volunteers stood shoulder to shoulder casting in the grass. It was a chance for Veterans to show their coaches their development since the last meeting.

Found relaxation in the river

The monthly meetings are just the first nibble at the line for Veterans joining the organization. Meetings are where Veterans learn about the equipment, the skills and the team, but it’s on the water where Veterans find themselves.

Mike Pepper found a peace he didn’t know was missing. Pepper, a Navy Corpsman in Vietnam, found relaxation in the river.

“I had no idea what to expect. For about four hours, I stood in one spot because I was really enjoying what I was doing. It was something fun,” he said.

Pepper is like many Veterans who find the tranquility of water releases stress they may not realize they were carrying.

What makes the Chattanooga chapter unique is the combination of Veterans from all different eras of military service— like those from Vietnam, Gulf War/Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and more. It’s the different perspectives but the combined brotherhood and sisterhood that unites these Veterans and volunteers under one banner—the love of fly fishing.

“You know, my best day of fishing, I didn’t catch a fish. One of my best days of fishing, I assisted some Veterans catching fish and that just really got me,” said volunteer David Ligon.

Opportunities for Veterans to improve their physical health

Project Healing Waters is one of many organizations and programs that partner with Tennessee Valley where Veterans can find support through physical activities to tackle stress and trauma. The recreational therapy program offers several opportunities for Veterans looking to improve their mental and physical health.

“Our Recreational Therapy program is a holistic, strength-based approach to care that uses various leisure and recreational activities to help Veterans find joy in their lives,” Howard said. “Our goal is to help improve a Veteran’s physical functioning, mental health, independence and overall quality of life through participation in activities that are meaningful for the Veteran. Treatment is based upon the Veteran’s strengths, needs and goals.”

Part of recreational therapy is the adaptive sports program, which includes a range of activities like bocce ball, shuffleboard, ping pong, pickleball, rowing, bowling, archery and more. Aquatic therapy, vibroacoustic therapy and the center of equine therapy for Veterans are other activities offered to eligible Veterans to promote a healthier lifestyle.

“Whether it is learning how to walk again, successfully reintegrating into the community or finding their new purpose in life, we have had Veterans use what they have learned to give back to other Veterans,” said Howard.

Green was hesitant to join a new group, but he is now the one spreading the word to others like him. He is keeping the tradition alive and supporting his fellow Veterans on the water.