Arabic version: كوينزلاند تطلق برنامج علاج الأمواج للنساء المحاربات
A new surf therapy program aimed at helping female veterans was recently launched in Queensland. The initiative, designed for women who have developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to their military experiences, seeks to provide mental health support through the therapeutic benefits of surfing. According to ABC News, the program hopes to expand its reach to more ex-servicewomen across Australia.
The first surf therapy retreat, believed to be the first of its kind tailored specifically for female veterans in Australia, was held in March at Mudjimba Beach. Participants faced challenging surf conditions, with waves reaching six to eight feet. Tammy Grant, the program’s organizer and a former soldier, expressed her determination to help the women embrace the waves and the experience, which she described as life-changing.
Grant, who has a background in the defence force and has personally dealt with PTSD, found healing through surfing. She aims to combine her life experiences with her studies in mental health and neuroscience to create a supportive environment for female veterans. Several local female coaches joined the program to teach surfing techniques and foster camaraderie among participants.
Participants like Hannah Jagger and Lee Feakes shared their struggles with PTSD and the difficulties of transitioning to civilian life after military service. They emphasized the importance of connecting with other women who understand their experiences. The surf therapy program offers a less intimidating environment compared to traditional therapy settings, allowing veterans to focus on mindfulness while surfing.
Lyndsay Free, a board director of Women Veterans Australia, highlighted the unique challenges faced by female veterans, including the need to address trauma that may not stem solely from combat. She commended Grant’s initiative for providing a platform for women veterans to seek help and support in a communal setting. Grant plans to run another retreat in November, aiming to continue the positive impact of this innovative approach to mental health care.
