Watch The Journey Back to Normal: A Look at Complementary Therapies to Combat PTSD

The Journey Back to Normal: A Look at Complementary Therapies to Combat PTSD is an awe-inspiring and heartwarming documentary about the recovery journey of three veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after serving in different wars. The movie highlights the usage of complementary therapies such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and art therapy to treat PTSD.

The movie is set in the United States, where PTSD is a prevalent and pervasive psychological disorder, primarily among veterans coming back from wars like Iraq and Afghanistan. The film starts with the presentation of a report showing that more than twenty veterans commit suicide every day due to PTSD, and the conventional methods of treatment like medication and therapy are not offering long-term solutions.

The documentary follows the journey of John Schwent, Julie Whiteside Baker, and Joseph Casale, veterans who have been struggling with PTSD for years. The audience gets to see snippets of their daily struggles, such as nightmares, anxiety, and hyper-vigilance, which are typical symptoms of PTSD. They struggle to keep their relationships and daily activities intact.

The documentary gradually unfolds into the different complementary therapies that have helped the trio on their journey to recovery. Each veteran tries at least two different complementary therapies and explains what worked and what did not work for them. The audience gets to see a glimpse of how complementary therapies help the veterans manage their PTSD symptoms holistically.

John Schwent, for instance, finds rejuvenation and inner peace through yoga and meditation. He practices yoga daily and shares how the poses help him control his racing thoughts and calm his body. He takes the audience through his daily yoga routine and explains how it helps him manage his stress levels.

Julie Whiteside Baker, on the other hand, found solace in art therapy. With the help of her art therapist, she creates paintings that reflect her emotions and thoughts. She explains how she uses the art to express what she cannot articulate, hence giving her the strength to heal from her trauma.

Joseph Casale opts for acupuncture and group therapy sessions. He explains how acupuncture helps him regulate his sleeping patterns and reduce his anxiety levels. Additionally, he enjoys the group therapy sessions, where he can openly talk about his experiences and feel seen and heard.

The documentary also features complementary therapies offered to veterans by non-profit organizations. The veterans take part in outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and team-building activities, which help them bond with other veterans and process their emotions. The non-profit organizations also offer companion dogs, which are trained to help the veterans feel safe and protected, especially those who have experienced combat.

The documentary encourages the audience to consider the usage of complementary therapies in conjunction with conventional treatments for treating PTSD. The veterans and practitioners interviewed in the documentary attest that the complementary treatments help reduce the symptoms of PTSD and improve the quality of life for veterans.

The Journey Back to Normal: A Look at Complementary Therapies to Combat PTSD is a touching and informative documentary, educating the audience on the use of alternative treatments to help veterans with PTSD. The documentary highlights the struggles of veterans, the complementary therapies that have helped them, and the critical step organizations take to help them heal. The movie's message is both inspiring and hopeful, as it encourages the audience to consider alternative, holistic treatments to help those struggling with PTSD to heal and feel whole again.

Overall, The Journey Back to Normal: A Look at Complementary Therapies to Combat PTSD is a must-watch for anyone who wishes to understand the impact of complementary therapies on veterans with PTSD. The documentary is enlightening, emotional, and ultimately shows a ray of hope for veterans struggling with their PTSD.

The Journey Back to Normal: A Look at Complementary Therapies to Combat PTSD is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes.