A Veteran's Relationship with a Service Animal

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Our nation's Veterans face many difficulties once returning home and back into civilian life after active duty. Until recently, the focus has been heavily directed to physical disabilities and the rehabilitation process. However, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a serious mental health disability that affects many Veterans upon returning home and has become a growing health crisis.

Objective: This study aims to research the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy as a treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and its effectiveness Veterans enter back into civilian life after discharge from active duty.

Design and Method: The research method is based on peer-reviewed literature consisting of scholarly articles, journals, and online articles, and the research performed is qualitative. Veteran's Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms were studied to evaluate the positive effects of animal-assisted therapy on resolving symptoms and aiding in positive transition into civilian life. The main research question is: What effect does partnership with a service animal have on a veteran's overall mental health?

Results: The significance of this study is that animal-assisted therapy has very positive outcomes in helping Veterans' overall mental health. Several benefits have been resulted, such as reducing anxiety and reliving night terrors or flashbacks, which are some primary symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Conclusions: For a Veteran seeking mental health support that doesn't include traditional resources such as prescription medication, animal-assisted therapy is an effective alternate. Options include both animals like canines which can be kept in the home, and others like horses can be used outside the house when needed. Finding options for Veterans to receive help with their mental health and bringing awareness to the topic is essential for the continued success of our military members coming home.

Keywords: Veteran's, Mental Health, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Animal Assisted Therapy, Military.