Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects nearly one in three veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom—nearly five times the rate found in the general adult population. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 29 percent of these veterans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, with 15 percent affected in the past year alone.
While traditional treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and medication can be effective, they aren’t the only paths toward healing. Many veterans benefit from incorporating daily, accessible strategies that help manage symptoms and build long-term resilience.
To gain a clearer picture of what this looks like in practice, I spoke with Mike Kogan, a leading mental health expert at Compel America, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans. Drawing from his extensive experience, he shared powerful, actionable strategies that help veterans manage symptoms, reclaim control, and enhance their overall well-being.
