Did you know?
Anyone who experiences or witnesses trauma can have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This could be from combat, an accident, a natural disaster, or physical violence.
Nearly half of all WWP warriors reported PTSD symptoms in the past month.
Did you know?
The number of WWP warriors experiencing multiple mental health conditions is more than three times greater than those experiencing just one.
PTSD, anxiety, and depression were 3 of the 4 most common health issues warriors report.
Anxiety
PTSD
Warrior
Mental Health
Depression is among the most common mental health disorders worldwide and has the highest impact on quality of life for WWP warriors.
of all warriors said they had moderate to severe symptoms in the past two weeks.
Did you know?
Depression
Top Stories
Overcoming PTSD, Alcohol Use, and Finding New Purpose
Dan Smee’s life changed rapidly since returning from Iraq in 2006.. He went from struggling through pain and alcohol use to earning a master’s degree in social work.
Special Topics
PTSD
76%
reported PTSD and nearly half presented with moderate to severe symptoms
ANXIETY
76%
reported anxiety
DEPRESSION
74%
reported having symptoms
SOCIAL CONNECTION
78%
reported feeling isolated
FINANCIAL WELLNESS
64%
said they weren't able to make ends meet in the past year
SLEEP
80%
reported sleep problems
Hover over the circles to view details.
Symptoms of PTSD
Avoidance
Intrusion
Negative thoughts or mood
Reliving the traumatic event through flashbacks, nightmares, and frightened thoughts that can result in physical symptoms such as racing pulse, sweating, pain, feeling sick, and tremors.
Intentionally avoiding thoughts, situations, people, places, activities, objects, or feelings that trigger recall of the traumatic event.
Feeling “on edge,” always “on alert,” tense, jittery, and anxious, resulting in irritability, trouble sleeping, being easily startled, angry outbursts, difficulty concentrating, self-medicating, or self-destructive behaviors.
Experiencing negative thoughts and feelings about oneself, the event, or others; loss of interest in hobbies, and frequent feelings of guilt, shame, or blame.
Hyper-arousal or reactivity
Hover over the plus signs to read more
Most common anxiety symptoms reported by warriors
Become easily annoyed or irritable
Have trouble relaxing
Feel nervous, anxious,
or on edge
*Percentages show WWP warriors who reported experiencing these symptoms “nearly every day.”
Top 3 depression symptoms reported by warriors
Have trouble falling or staying asleep or sleeping too much
*Percentages show WWP warriors who reported experiencing these symptoms “nearly every day.”
Feel tired or have little energy
Have little interest or pleasure in doing things
What this means:
Taking time to address veteran mental health can significantly improve the well-being and for both warriors and their loved ones. It can also reduce the likelihood of future challenges.
Once I said I needed help, the doors opened for me.
CHRIS HOFF
WOUNDED WARRIOR
Veteran Cultivates Creativity to Address PTSD Symptoms
Air Force veteran Tim McDonough finds ctreative oulets that help combat symptoms of PTSD and give him a sense of calm, allowing his mind to focus.
5 Ways to Harness Physical Activity to Improve Mental Health
Adventure awaits. Gain insight into adrenaline-producing adventures to optimize warrior physical and mental health.
PTSD can develop after a traumatic event, but there are ways to reduce the symptoms and WWP can help.
Book a Speaker
Learn more about veteran mental health from a Wounded Warrior Project spokesperson.
Submit a
Request
CONNECTION
WWP connection events and peer support are important in helping veterans and their families find support in each other.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Family members and veterans can access emotional support and one-on-one counseling through programs like WWP Talk. This program is a nonclinical, telephonic, goal-setting program designed to help warriors and family members plan individualized paths toward personal growth.
ADVENTURE-BASED THERAPY
Project Odyssey is a 12-week mental health program, with one week of adventure-based learning and 11 weeks of WWP teammate follow-up discussions. Various WWP programs positively harness thrill-seeking for healing.
ONGOING WELL-BEING
WWP offers veteran connection events, physical health and wellness, adaptive sports, virtual challenges, career counseling, caregiver support, and both in-person and online community events.
OUTPATIENT TREATMENT AT LEADING MEDICAL CENTERS
Warrior Care Network is a 2-week accelerated treatment program at one of four world-renowned clinical partners.
It’s followed by continued care after you return home, and it includes family support members.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
Contact the Resource Center. We're here to help you plan a path forward in your next mission. 888.WWP.ALUM (997.2586)
HOW WWP CAN HELP
hover on the icons for more information.
JOIN
Warrior and family support member registration.
SUPPORT
Your gift can make positive, lasting changes in the lives of warriors.
RESOURCES
Check out the free mental health services and programs WWP offers.
PTSD Awareness: How to Recognize and Treat Symptoms in Veterans
Find resources to start healing.
Discover ways to feel calm again.
Get support to manage PTSD.
A Father’s Guide: Courageous Conversations about PTSD
Read more featured stories
Explore options for better mental health.
What this means:
PTSD symptoms affect overall health and daily activities for many veterans, but there are options to help them heal and regain control again.
What this means:
Depression makes everyday activities harder, including socialization, which can lead to loneliness and other health issues. But with support, they do find hope again.
32%
27%
18%
More than
Nearly
Almost
25%
24%
Nearly
More than
21%
Warrior Mental Health
The number of WWP warriors experiencing multiple mental health conditions is more than three times greater than those experiencing just one.
– WWP Warrior Survey
PTSD, anxiety, and depression were 3 of the 4 most common health issues warriors report.
What this means:
Taking time to address veteran mental health can significantly improve the
well-being and quality of life for both warriors and their loved ones. It can also reduce the likelihood of future challenges.
PTSD
Anxiety
Depression
Did you know?
Anyone who experiences or witnesses trauma can have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This could be combat, an accident, a natural disaster, or physical violence.
Nearly half of all WWP warriors reported PTSD symptoms in the past month.
What this means:
PTSD symptoms affect overall health and daily activities for many veterans, but there are options to help them heal and regain control again.
Get support to manage PTSD.
Did you know?
Discover ways to feel calm again.
Learn more about warriors and anxiety
Most common anxiety symptoms reported by warriors
Almost
Nearly
More than
Become easily annoyed or irritable
Have trouble relaxing
*Percentages show WWP warriors who reported experiencing these symptoms
“nearly every day.”
25%
24%
Feel nervous,
anxious, or on edge
21%
Did you know?
Depression is among the most common mental health disorders worldwide and has the highest impact on quality of life for WWP warriors.
More than half of all warriors said they had moderate to severe symptoms in the past two weeks.
What this means:
Depression makes everyday activities harder, including socialization, which can lead to loneliness and other health issues. But with support, they do find hope again.
Find resources to start healing.
Learn more about warriors and depression
Top 3 depression symptoms reported by warriors
Have trouble falling or staying asleep or sleeping too much
Feel tired or have little energy
Hve little interest or pleasure in doing things
*Percentages show WWP warriors who reported experiencing these symptoms “nearly every day.”
32%
18%
More than
Nearly
27%
Anxiety
Depression
Warrior Mental Health
PTSD
Anxiety
Warrior Mental Health
Depression
Anxiety
PTSD
Depression
PTSD
Warrior Mental Health
It's not uncommon for veterans to experience excessive worrying or uneasiness that lasts for months or longer.
Nearly half of all WWP warriors have moderate to severe anxiety symptoms.
What this means:
Anxiety can cause restlessness and affect sleep, concentration, and daily tasks, but it is manageable.
Depression
Anxiety
PTSD
Warrior Mental Health
Anxiety
Depression
PTSD
Warrior Mental Health
A closer look at the mental health of WWP warriors
See more
-WWP Warrior Survey
More than half
Submit a Request
Ongoing well-being
WWP offers veteran connection events, physical health and wellness, adaptive sports, virtual challenges, career counseling, caregiver support, and both in-person and online community.
Outpatient treatment at leading medical center
Warrior Care Network is a 2-week accelerated treatment program at one of four world-renowned clinical partners. It’s followed by continued care after you return home, and it includes family support members.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
Contact the Resource Center. We're here to help you plan a path forward in your next mission. 888.WWP.ALUM (997.2586)
Project Odyssey is a 12-week mental health program, with one week of adventure-based learning and 11 weeks of WWP teammate follow-up discussions. Various WWP programs positively harness thrill-seeking for healing.
ADVENTURE-based Therapy
Emotional Support
Family members and veterans can access emotional support and 1:1 counseling through programs like WWP Talk. This program is a nonclinical, telephonic, goal-setting program designed to help warriors and family members plan individualized paths toward personal growth.
CONNECTION
WWP connection events and peer support are important in helping veterans and their families find support in each other.
WWP SOLUTIONS
click on the icons for more information
Learn more about warriors and PTSD
Reliving the traumatic event through flashbacks, nightmares, and frightened thoughts that can result in physical symptoms such as racing pulse, sweating, pain, feeling sick, and tremors.
Intrusion
Avoidance
Intentionally avoiding thoughts, situations, people, places, activities, objects, or feelings that trigger recall of the traumatic event.
See more
Hyper-arousal or reactivity
Experiencing negative thoughts and feelings about oneself, the event, or others; loss of interest in hobbies, and frequent feelings of guilt, shame, or blame.
Feeling “on edge,” always “on alert,” tense, jittery, and anxious, resulting in irritability, trouble sleeping, being easily startled, angry outbursts, difficulty concentrating, self-medicating, or self-destructive behaviors.
Negative thoughts or mood
Go back
Go back
quality of life
Army veteran Mathius Carter was inspired by his son to author a book explaining veteran PTSD and mental health challenges to children.
Woman Warrior Embraces Creativity to Manage
Post-Military Emotions
Veteran Yolanda Jones embraces art therapy as a way to channel negative emotions from PTSD and educate others.
Adventure awaits. Gain insight into adrenaline-producing adventures to optimize warrior physical and mental health.
5 Ways to Harness Physical Activity to Improve Mental Health
Gaining Control Over Anxiety
Anyone can experience anxiety – an emotional response that evokes feelings of worry, nervousness, and unease. Anxiety may include physical symptoms as well.
Woman Warrior Embraces Creativity to Manage Post-Military Emotions
Army veteran Mathius Carter was inspired by his son to author a book explaining veteran PTSD and mental health challenges to children.
It's not uncommon for veterans to experience excessive worrying or uneasiness that lasts for months or longer.
Nearly half of all WWP warriors reported moderate to severe anxiety symptoms
in the past month.
What this means:
Anxiety can cause restlessness and affect sleep, concentration, and daily tasks, but it is manageable.