Transcendental Meditation and PTSD
TM, Transcendental Meditation
“After starting TM, my heart and mind were calmed. I had my first full night of sleep in 21 years. I have new goals in my life, and I haven’t stopped smiling ever since my first meditation.”
Carlos, veteran of Operation Desert Storm and Liberation of Kuwait
Over half a million U.S. troops deployed since 2001 suffer from PTSD. Yet less than 20% will receive adequate care due to lack of effective treatments, fear of stigma or insufficient government resources. Half of those with PTSD won’t receive any care at all.
Left untreated, PTSD cripples functioning and places veterans at great risk for violent and self-destructive behavior, including:
- Alcoholism or drug abuse
- Severe depression, anxiety or emotional numbness
- Family and employment problems
- Suicide – today, more than 6.500 vets die by suicide every year
What Is Transcendental Meditation?
It is a simple, natural, effortless technique practiced 20 minutes twice a day while sitting comfortably with the eyes closed. It’s not a religion, philosophy or lifestyle.
What Happens When You Meditate?
Transcendental Meditation allows the active thinking mind to settle inward to experience a naturally calm, peaceful level of awareness. During TM, the body enjoys a profoundly rejuvenating rest, while the brain functions with significantly greater coherence.
Information provided by TM for Veterans and the David Lynch Foundation
Melissa Engle, MA LPC
Melissa Engle is a licensed professional counselor working in Michigan with Veterans since 1998. She is currently completing her PhD at Oakland University pursuing research on veterans and post traumatic growth. She has worked for the VA for over 6 years as a Counselor, currently at the Ann Arbor, Michigan facility, and has extensive experience and expertise working with veterans with PTSD and related trauma disorders.
In 2018, Melissa started Tribe Talks with USMC veteran SSgt. Shaun Durfey after identifying a need for growth-oriented resiliency services in the veteran community. Tribe Talks is a retreat-based program that focuses on processing and overcoming trauma by developing improved coping skills, engaging in treatment and learning more about the freedom to choose.
