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Soldiers

New Approach to Treating Combat-Related PTSD Aims to Reduce Suicides Among Veterans

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The United States is plagued by a staggering rate of suicides among its veterans, with 17 dying every day for over a decade. To combat this issue, a new approach focusing on "moral injury" has been recognized by the VA since 2009. Moral injury is a concept that emphasizes the psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of war-related trauma. A documentary titled "Healing a Soldier's Heart" showcases this approach, following the courageous journey of four Vietnam War veterans as they confront their inner demons and ghosts under the guidance of psychotherapist and author Edward Tick PhD.

Key Takeaways:

  • The rate of 17 U.S. veterans dying by suicide every day remains largely unchanged over the past decade, despite efforts to address the issue.
  • The concept of "moral injury" has been recognized by the VA since 2009, emphasizing the psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of war-related trauma.
  • The documentary "Healing a Soldier's Heart" presents a new approach to treating combat-related PTSD, focusing on trauma-healing practices such as face-to-face meetings with former enemies, authentic apologies, and acts of restitution.
  • The film's therapeutic experience includes venturing through Vietnamese culture, Buddhist prayer, meditation, compassion, and forgiveness.
  • The emotional support of marital spouses is a crucial aspect of the veterans' healing process, as they confront feelings of guilt, shame, and anger.
  • The four veterans in the film evolve from terrorized nightmares, drug abuse, domestic violence, and thoughts of suicide to self-realized human beings and spiritual warriors.
  • The documentary's national public television premiere will take place on Veterans Day weekend, premiering November 9, 2025, on PBS.org, the PBS App, and local PBS stations.
  • The film's themes and message are relevant to U.S. combat veterans from the Iraq and Afghan wars, as well as spouses, families, and friends.

Statistics:

  • 17 U.S. veterans die by suicide every day.
  • The concept of "moral injury" has been recognized by the VA since 2009.
  • The documentary "Healing a Soldier's Heart" features four Vietnam War veterans who evolve from terrorized nightmares, drug abuse, domestic violence, and thoughts of suicide to self-realized human beings and spiritual warriors.

Sources:

  • United Press (no date) - "Nation Follows a New Approach to Treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans and Civilians - New Book by Dr. Ed Tick Presents Healing Practices to Cure the Effects of Stress Related from Actions of War and Bad Memories."
  • The Invisible War Film (2012) - "The Invisible War is a documentary film about the epidemic of rape in the U.S. military."
  • "Healing a Soldier's Heart" Documentary (2025) - "The documentary follows the courageous, emotionally-charged journey of four PTSD-suffering Vietnam war veterans as they venture back to face their inner demons and ghosts that have been haunting them for decades."

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