A New Bill Could Provide Better Outdoor Recreation Programs for Veterans

Jenni Gritters · REI · November 10, 2020

Featuring Gregory Bratman, member of the Center’s Research Collaborative

Time in nature has been shown to help people of varying backgrounds with mental health issues by reducing depression and anxiety and increasing overall happiness. For veterans, in particular, time outside appears to decrease symptoms of PTSD and may help former service members reintegrate into civilian life. At the University of Washington, an ongoing study, which started in 2018 with support from REI, aims to test the benefits of wilderness hiking as a treatment for PTSD among veterans. Lead researcher Greg Bratman is currently looking at the effects of nature on veterans’ mental and physical health in urban settings (like walks in city centers) compared with more rural settings, like mountainscapes. In Austin, Texas, researcher David Scheinfeld is doing similar work, focusing on how veterans respond to Outward Bound programs. Early results suggest the programs may improve interpersonal relations, boost resilience and improve a sense of purpose among veterans.