A DIFFERENT THERAPY FOR VETERANS: HEALING THROUGH SKYDIVING IN UTAH
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Skydiving isn’t something that you’ll do to find a sense of belonging and a sense of purpose. It’s also probably not the first activity that a civilian would choose to do for fun. But, for some daring ones, that is the case. It might even surprise you that some people see it as a form of therapy.
You’re probably thinking, "Who in their right mind would do skydiving as therapy?” Surprisingly, several Veterans are doing exactly that across Utah, and yes, they are in their right minds. Who would’ve thought skydiving could be used as therapy for Veterans? Only those who can relate to it themselves. So keep reading, as you might be interested in doing this too!
What Is Leaps of Hope?
Many Veterans struggle with heavy days. Everyone experiences bad days, but Veterans experience them in a way that makes it sit in their chest, lingering. This is a real-life experience for Veterans that follows them wherever they go.
Healing from these situations is not just a single snap or a single therapy session, as it takes time to actually say that you’re already okay and able to move on.
There are a lot of ways to cope for those who are dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other traumatic experiences. Some groups in Utah have found jumping out of planes to be a better remedy than actual therapy. It gives them a few moments of healing, and it’s working.
The nonprofit organization “Leaps of Hope” offers this coping strategy to Veterans and non-veterans. The organization’s leadership also consists of Veterans. They promote skydiving as a form of therapy for those who have PTSD or who have experienced trauma.
Ross Mitchell, founder of Leaps of Hope, has experienced these firsthand growing up. Additionally, he served in the Marine Corps as an infantryman from 2015 to 2019 with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines.
Mitchell saw the positive effect of skydiving.
“Not only does skydiving provide a cathartic rush for the veterans who jump together, but it also represents a sense of community,” Mitchell said.
“It’s one of the most empowering things you can do,” Mitchell said. “In the moment, you’re not thinking about what happened 20 years ago, 6 months ago, or last night.”
It’s true that when you are actually doing it, you just feel the adrenaline rush and enjoy it. For a moment, you forget everything. And it heals you, even for just a few minutes. That’s why Veterans in Utah are enjoying this.
The Group of Veterans in Utah’s Skydiving
Air Force Veteran Chris Henry saw skydiving as a form of therapy. He described it as a healthy adrenaline addiction.
“When you put the uniform away, you realize it’s you against the world,” he says. “It has not been an easy year for me.”
Indeed, transitioning from military life to civilian life is hard. And that was the case for Henry. Skydiving has helped him cope with his situation.
“In normal day-to-day life, you don’t have decisions that could end your life,” Chris says in terms of the focus and clarity that come with each jump.
Another Navy bomb squad Veteran, Brian Stephens, who served for 12 years, felt the same way as Henry. Even though it is only the beginning of his skydiving journey, he has found that being present and enjoying the moment is an extremely helpful coping strategy.
“It’s something that lets you be in the moment,” Stephens said.
The Best Type of Medicine
Skydiving is not a medication or cure for PTSD, anxiety, or depression, as these are complex conditions. They require professional care, but there are ways to cope, like skydiving.
Henry described skydiving as the best type of medicine. And that’s okay. Coping is different for many people, and if this approach works for them, it’s acceptable. What matters is that they feel relaxed, healed for a moment, and enjoy the process.
During skydiving, there is no room for intrusive thoughts. You can hear the wind is loud. Your senses are full. You are not scanning for danger wherever you are.
You are just falling. And when the parachute opens, everything slows down. You can see everything from below. And somehow, it heals a part of you. It provides a temporary reset to get through the week.
Finding a Sense of Belonging in Skydiving
Isolation is one of the quiet struggles many Veterans face. Therefore, they seek that sense of belonging, a sense of community where they can relate. And with skydiving, they can find these things.
Veterans come together to spend time and jump out of a plane.
“It gives them a sense of belonging, and it gives them a sense of purpose,” Mitchell told KUTV in Salt Lake City.
Being there in the moment for Veterans is powerful, “It’s all the things people crave when they get out of the military,” Brian says. “You are all in it together.”
Leaps of Hope provides therapy for Veterans, a sense of belonging, and a sense of purpose. They are helping Veterans to find peace in an open sky. Sometimes, healing means you hear loud wind at 120 miles per hour, leaving you completely present and ready for the calm that follows.
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BY ALLISON KIRSCHBAUM
Veteran, Military History & Culture Writer at VeteranLife
Navy Veteran
Allison Kirschbaum is a Navy Veteran and an experienced historian. She has seven years of experience creating compelling digital content across diverse industries, including Military, Defense, History, SaaS, MarTech, FinTech, financial services, insurance, and manufacturing. She brings this expertis...
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Allison Kirschbaum is a Navy Veteran and an experienced historian. She has seven years of experience creating compelling digital content across diverse industries, including Military, Defense, History, SaaS, MarTech, FinTech, financial services, insurance, and manufacturing. She brings this expertis...
