Healing Heroes logo
decoration
A Journey to Hope: Healing My PTSD After Two Decades
decoration

As both a veteran and a physician, my understanding of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) runs deep, shaped by my personal battle with this often invisible wound. For over two decades, I have navigated the complexities of trauma without effective relief. Most treatments felt like temporary band-aids over a gaping wound, often leading to reliance on medications that only masked the symptoms. However, my journey took a transformative turn in 2024 when I discovered a treatment that finally freed me from my silent suffering—without the need for ongoing medication.

The Silent Struggle of Veterans

Statistics tell a troubling story about veteran mental health. According to reports, nearly 70% of veterans who commit suicide are aged 50 or older (Carney, 2014). This age group not only includes those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan but also Vietnam veterans and those from earlier conflicts. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that around 22 veterans take their lives every day, resulting in more than 8,000 suicides annually (Carney, 2014). The staggering numbers illustrate an urgent crisis that demands attention, particularly for older veterans—who often feel forgotten in public discourse about veteran suicide.

The common narrative often overlooks these veterans, with many believing that their struggles no longer hold relevance in today’s context. Tom Berger, executive director of the Vietnam Veterans of America national health council, encapsulates this sentiment when he states, “We’re just old guys, and we’re going to die, so why pay much attention to them?” This feeling of neglect can compound the psychological ailments many veterans face.

A Breakthrough Treatment: My Experience with Ibogaine

In early 2024, I turned to a treatment that had been largely absent in mainstream conversations about PTSD: ibogaine. This plant-derived compound, sourced from the iboga plant, is known for its psychoactive properties and has garnered attention for its effects on various mental health conditions. Recent research out of Stanford Medicine, led by Dr. Nolan Williams, demonstrated that ibogaine could effectively reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety in veterans with traumatic brain injuries, marking a potentially life-changing development (Williams, 2024).

In a clinical setting that prioritized safety, I received ibogaine therapy under careful medical supervision. Participants in the Stanford study reported a dramatic reduction in symptoms—with averages showing an 88% decrease in PTSD symptoms and approximately 87% for depression (Williams, 2024). These findings resonated deeply with my own experience following treatment, as I too found my mental landscape transformed for the first time in years.

Why Traditional Treatments Often Fall Short

Despite my medical background, I spent years entangled in the shortcomings of traditional PTSD treatments, which often revolve around talk therapy and pharmaceutical medications that do not always address the root causes of trauma. For older veterans, this can lead to a resigned acceptance of their condition, compounded by feelings of isolation as they age. Many face challenges related to declining health, chronic pain, and the emotional burden of their service—issues that can amplify feelings of loneliness and despair.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that approximately 30% of Vietnam veterans suffer from PTSD, highlighting the long-term impact of trauma that many veterans experience (Carney, 2014). These statistics emphasize the need for more effective, holistic approaches to mental health treatment.

A Broader Perspective on Healing

My successful experience with ibogaine serves as a reminder of the potential for innovative treatments to provide relief where traditional methods have failed. Conversations surrounding veteran mental health must shift to include these emerging therapies as viable options. As more research becomes available—like that conducted by Stanford University—there is hope that ibogaine and similar treatments will gain acceptance and integration into mainstream therapeutic modalities.

The importance of expanding treatment options cannot be overstated. As we rethink our approach to veteran care, let us advocate for broader access to treatments that consider the complexities of trauma and the unique needs of older veterans.

Concluding Thoughts: A Call for Candid Conversations and Awareness

My journey over the past year has illuminated the path to healing. I urge fellow veterans, caregivers, and mental health advocates to continue pressing for acknowledgment and support of innovative treatments that can address PTSD’s deep-rooted effects. It is critical to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and to lift the burden of silence that has long overshadowed the veteran community.

In sharing my experience, I hope to inspire others to seek out new avenues for healing. We must advocate for awareness, support one another, and foster open dialogue to make sure no veteran feels forgotten again. With determination and the right resources, it’s possible to pave the way for a brighter and healthier future for all who have served.

References

  1. Carney, J. (2014). Why Are So Many Older Veterans Committing Suicide? NJ Daily. Retrieved from NJ Daily
  2. Williams, S. (2024). Ibogaine effectively treats traumatic brain injury in special ops military vets. Nature Medicine. Retrieved from Stanford Medicine

This post aims to not only share my personal story but also spark a vital conversation about mental health and treatment options for veterans. Healing is possible, and it’s essential that we all work together to ensure that it happens.

Charles “Dr. Charlie” Powell

Solo Vive International-CEO/Owner

Healing Heroes – No Mind Left

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Decoration

Subscribe to the Healing Heroes newsletter for special moments like new cinematic trailer drops, but also both continuing information on PTSD and the journey "back to the light" that is available through alternative medicine, and to stay up-to-date on the current heroes journeying to the light!

Skip to content