Recovering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury can be a lengthy process. It involves two essential processes: restoration of functions that can be restored and learning how to do things differently when functions cannot be restored to pre-injury level. Chances are high that the person may not even remember their basic habits. Individuals with traumatic brain injuries are often unaware of their errors and can become frustrated or angry and place the blame for communication difficulties on the person to whom they are speaking. Reading and writing abilities are often worse than those for speaking and understanding spoken words. Simple and complex mathematical abilities are often affected.
The Rehabilitation process can be done in two phases. The basic skills should be strengthened before other complex skills could be restored. Simple tasks like solving math puzzles and reading could help in restoring the basic skills. The next step, involving them in group outdoor activities like kayak fishing, restores their ability to be independent and reintegrate back into the normal world. We at Heroes on the Water take pride in bringing a change in their lives.
Being out in the water on their own helps they overcome their mental challenges. Everybody is equal in a kayak. Anybody can do it. We have kayaks you can pedal with your legs or paddle with your arms. The connection they experience with Mother Nature when they kayak, rejuvenates and changes their brain activity.
This change can be seen in the story of one of our participants. She was in a coma for three long years. Today, she is living in Livermore VA Hospital, California as a functioning adult, but has virtually no short or long term memory. In other words, she could not tell you what happened last year, or earlier today. Until now.
Heroes on the Water (HOW), arranged for our wounded veteran to spend a day on the water kayak fishing. Her recreational therapist called us three days later extremely excited. The veteran remembered going kayak fishing! Her day on the water made such a positive impact in her life that her brain decided to treasure the memory. Her kayak fishing trip "cracked the shell" and allowed her to take the first, important steps forward in regaining her memory.
Dr. John Hart is a brain specialist at the Center for Brain Health in Dallas. He has conducted extensive research with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). We asked him to explain the effectiveness of Heroes on the Water. Why does being on the water and kayak fishing, have such a profound positive impact on our veterans? This is what he said.
"When they first arrive, they see a group of people having fun. Puts them at ease. Very similar to the military band of brothers. A group they want to be part of. Fishing and joking around with their buddies relaxes them.
The main change comes from water. Water impacts all five senses at the same time with a very positive, powerful image and memory. The good memories from their day on the water helps override the bad memories and images that haunt them. And possibly crack the shell letting them rejoin the world. Like our lady in California."
Freedom Captured.
Reference:
The Brain Injury Resource center
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