Noteboom The Law Firm

Gardening as Therapy for PTSD

June 18, 2010 - Veterans using gardening as therapy for their PTSD symptoms have been reporting positive results for years. John Passander is attempting to have a greenhouse constructed at the West Haven Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center to expand and continue therapeutic gardening for veterans.

Passander believes gardening benefits those veterans suffering from PTSD because it is such a relaxing activity. Passander belongs to Giant Steps, which is a VA run program offering support to veterans with mental health issues. Giant Steps provides support through such programs such as gardening and art therapy.

Giant Steps coupled itself with Trinity, a non-profit agency, and together they applied for a grant being offered by the Pepsi Refresh Project worth $250,000. Pepsi will award multiple grants each month to those proposed projects benefitting communities based on the amount of Internet votes their proposed programs receive. In order for Passander to construct his VA greenhouse, his proposal must be voted in the top 2 for the week. It currently sits at 163^rd.

Passander views his greenhouse as essential because outdoor gardening is not available year round. Gardening as therapy has increased in popularity among VA medical clinics across the nation. Veterans currently participating in the Giant Steps gardening program claim gardening:

• Alleviates depression;
• Relieves substance abuse on some levels;
• Takes the focus off themselves;
• Provides satisfaction; and
• Affords an outlet for their frustrations.

Passander sees the greenhouse as a sanctuary for veterans suffering from mental health issues. Laboring in a garden and seeing the rewards of their work is therapeutic. Should the greenhouse be constructed, it will measure 30 feet by 60 feet. It will present veterans with a place where they can go to work through your stress and hopefully alleviate PTSD symptoms.