IAYT member encourages veterans to lean on community and practice
When recent events in Afghanistan prompted some veterans to reach out to Veterans Yoga Project for support, founder and executive director Dan Libby, PhD, responded.
“Over the past few days, we have heard from a number of our veterans who have served in Afghanistan, and who are struggling because of everything that is now happening there,” Libby wrote in a message posted on the project’s Facebook page. “Our hearts are with all of the veterans, service-members, and families who have served in Afghanistan, and with all of the people of Afghanistan who have supported our service-members there.”
Libby, a licensed clinical psychologist and IAYT member, founded Veterans Yoga Project in 2011. The project supports veterans recovering from PTSD—as well as those who care for individuals in recovery. He encouraged veterans and their families to continue connecting and practicing during this difficult time.
“Please remember to lean on your community and your practice in these times. While we can’t meditate these tragedies away, we can engage our own minds and bodies to help us cope and connect with others to get through it.”
To learn more and donate to Veterans Yoga Project, visit https://veteransyogaproject.org/donate-or-fundraise/
Please share these resources with any veterans you know that may be in need during this time:
- Veterans Crisis Line—If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
- Vet Centers—Discuss how you feel with other veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you (https://www.va.gov/find-locations/)
- VA Mental Health Services Guide—Get this guide for help accessing mental health services (https://www.va.gov/files/2020-11/mental-health-quick-start-guide.pdf)
Libby’s message addressed veterans and the community he’s built over the past decade. Additionally, here is one of the many organizations where you can donate directly towards supporting Afghan people: https://help.rescue.org/donate/afghanistan
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