⦁ Anxiety disorders among injured veterans are a rising concern. Studies indicate a significantly higher frequency in veterans compared to the general population. According to a ⦁ 2024 Yale-led study, 7.9% of veterans screened positive for probable Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), while only 2.9% of Americans, on average, test positive for GAD. Additionally, 25% of veterans experience mild anxiety disorders. These numbers underline the urgent need for effective programs to support our veterans dealing with anxiety. Scuba diving offers a unique therapeutic avenue for veterans grappling with anxiety disorders. By engaging in a mission-based activity akin to military operations, veterans find familiarity and comfort in teamwork, camaraderie, and shared objectives. The rhythmic breathing required during diving induces a calming effect on the body, comparable to practices like yoga or meditation. However, unlike other alternative therapies, scuba diving carries minimal stigma within military communities, fostering an environment of challenge and reward.
Yale researchers highlight prevalence of anxiety in U.S. military ⦁ veterans  -⦁ Yale Daily News