There’s no question that music is healing and incredibly powerful. It can and often does express what you’re feeling when you are finding it difficult to say it with your own words.
I recently learned about Guitar’s 4 Vets – an organization whose “mission to share the healing power of music by providing free guitar instruction, a new acoustic guitar and a guitar accessory kit in a structured program run by volunteers, primarily through the Department of Veterans Affairs facilities and community-based medical centers” (https://guitars4vets.org/).
I am surrounded by veterans, the ones I met after Desert Storm in 91 and those who I have met over the years, sharing with me about their time in the service.
As someone who finds solace in music – whether I spend time playing the recorder, singing karaoke, going to concerts or just jam out to the tunes of my favorite song – Guitar’s 4 Vets has found a way to help individuals affected by injuries in its many forms.
Music helps decrease anxiety, increase self-esteem, and reduce episodes of panic attacks, nightmares and flashbacks. A research study of Guitars 4 Vets students showed a 21% improvement in PTSD symptoms and a 27% decrease in related depression symptoms. The study attributed learning and playing guitar as the primary catalysts for these improvements—and we want to ensure as many vets as possible have that opportunity.
https://guitars4vets.org/why-guitars/
As I explored the website, I was thrilled to learn that they also create art from guitars that are beyond fixing and the vets get to paint and create visual art with them. Art, in general, has amazing healing power and to me, this is just another way to help vets who are having a challenging time due to injuries and PTSD.
Guitars for Vets (G4V) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides guitars and lessons to Military Veterans suffering from service related trauma. Though not a cure for PTSD and other injuries, the camaraderie and reintegration offered by G4V brings joy to many on their journey toward healing. Proceeds from the purchase of each G4V shirt will help put the healing power of music in the hands of heroes!
https://newd-clothing-company.myshopify.com/collections/guitars-for-vets
And if you are so inclined to help and support them, you can do the following:
