A Green and Pleasant Helping Hand – Examining the Phenomenological Effects of Outdoor Recreational Experiences on Military Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

This article presents qualitative findings from interviews with participants in an outdoor activity programme aimed at assisting them to alleviate symptoms of military-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Aside from exploring if and how participants felt the programme helped them manage their PTSD symptoms, the study also sought to identify factors that may help to inform future programme development. Thematic analysis of transcripts drawn from semi-structured interviews focused on respondents’ reflections on programme participation, early life experiences, military and post-military experiences, and mental health issues. The results supported the conclusion that the outdoor activities in a natural environment provided participants with a setting redolent of previously positive military experience, in which these former soldiers felt they could safely reveal and discuss troubling mental health and military matters, without fear of stigma. They also reported the benefits of the calm, tranquil environment aiding not only openness with peers but providing immediate beneficial effects on feelings of safety, sleep, and subsequent wellbeing. Conclusions indicate that such nature-based interventions may be a useful adjunct in the toolbox of treatments striving to reduce military-related PTSD symptomology.