The transition from military service to civilian life is one that can take a lot of time and effort to adapt to. This is why there are many programs emerging that focus on assisting veterans as they enter into life after service.
Aquarium program supports veterans
According to 5News Online, one program at the Georgia Aquarium is offering retired servicemembers a unique opportunity to find some peace and serenity as they adapt to civilian life again.
Started in 2008, the Veterans Immersion Program allows veterans to get up close and personal with thousands of rare sea creatures. The Discovery Channel explained that all retired military members are welcome to explore the 6.3 million-gallon home where some of the aquarium's most popular animals, including whale sharks and sting rays, reside.
Conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and debilitating physical injuries can take a serious toll on veterans' lives. So far, more than 1,000 veterans have taken part in the program, hoping to find the peace of mind and relaxation that have been lacking from their lives since deployment.
Unique therapy soothes deepest injuries
Susan Oglesby, the program's certified therapeutic recreation specialist, explained that the program is a unique form of therapy that takes servicemembers' minds off of their troubles and challenges them to try something outside of their comfort zones. The goal is to encourage participants to let go of their daily stresses in the midst of beautiful animals.
The key is that they are relaxing, but in an environment they cannot control, which influences them to let go of aspects of life that are causing them anxiety, added Oglesby. Simply achieving feelings of peace is something that she hopes will become a part of their memories, which they can return to during stressful situations in the future.
Certified dive instructors enter the water with the participants after providing them with essential instructions. Although the veterans are prohibited from touching the animals, the opportunity to see them up close in their aquatic world is enough to have an effect on them.
"It is a no-touch event," Oglesby told the Discovery Channel. "However, making eye contact with a 20-foot whale shark or a 12-foot manta ray or any other of the almost 5,000 animals is a crazy-cool interaction in itself!"
One veteran who recently tried the therapy mentioned to the news source that the experience had a comforting impact, even on his deepest injuries. The participant also noted that he saw the same reaction from those around him participating in the therapy.