Warriors to Peers: You Don’t Have to Do Mental Wellness Alone

With 22 years of military service behind him, Army veteran Sean Sanders retired proud, confident, and sure he could handle anything life threw his way.

“The military teaches you to be self-reliant,” said Sean. “I was proud of who I had become through my military career, and, like many soldiers, I thought I could accomplish almost anything on my own.”  

Although a leg injury kept him from being as physically active as he liked, Sean felt relatively good about transitioning to the civilian world. He was home, surrounded by family, and ready to begin a new chapter.

But over time, Sean became more irritable, was constantly on alert, and preferred staying inside. Leaving the house didn’t feel safe without a gun.

Eventually, Sean realized these shifts in his behavior were more than just a tough adjustment – they were signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

As the weight of his symptoms grew heavier, the toll on his personal life did, too. His marriage ended, and Sean temporarily moved back in with his parents. Feeling more isolated and depressed, he recognized that it was time to ask for help. 

Overcome the Stigma: Asking for Help Is Not a Weakness 

According to the Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Warrior Survey*, mental health conditions are the most common health conditions tied to military service. More than 6 out of 10 warriors live with at least one condition. PTSD, anxiety, and depression are the most common conditions reported.

Sean understands the resistance to getting mental health care.

“The biggest barrier is the stigma,” Sean said. “It’s a stigma just in calling it mental health. That’s why we, unfortunately, lose so many warriors. They want to do it on their own.” 

Army Reserve veteran Keara Torkelson also understands the cost of staying silent. Injured during a mass shooting at Fort Cavazos, Texas, in 2009, Keara has spent years working through her journey toward healing and encouraging others to do the same. 

“Asking for help does not make you weak. It makes you stronger,” said Keara. “I want warriors to know that you don’t have to do it alone. Other people have been there and are here to support you.”

Both Sean and Keara have rebuilt their lives. They credit WWP™ for helping them grow. By sharing their experiences, they hope to empower other veterans to reach out, accept help, and improve their well-being.

‘There’s a Tomorrow’

Sean connected with WWP after hearing about its Soldier Ride^® event. Getting on a bicycle with a group of veterans reminded Sean of the camaraderie he’d missed since leaving the military. It was the first time in a long while he felt understood, and it opened the door to something deeper.

“Soldier Ried sparked my interest in improving the physical aspect of my life, but then I went to a Project Odyssey,’ said Sean. Project Odyssey^® is an adventure-based learning program that helps veterans build their mental resiliency while connecting with others who’ve faced similar challenges.

"I realized that there are other people like me having issues. Some are dealing with things better than I am, and some are not,” said Sean.

During the program, Sean met another soldier going through a divorce. The struggle in his voice was familiar.

“I knew what it was like to be there, at that low. I understood his pain and where he was at that point,” said Sean.

Remembering his own divorce, Sean offered encouragement: “I’ve been where you are. There’s a tomorrow, even if you don’t see it yet.”

“Staying connected to veterans keeps me focused on giving back,” said Sean, who now leads a WWP peer support group for warriors from Philadelphia and southern New Jersey. “It goes back to the Army value of selfless service and giving back to the people who swore their lives to protect yours.”

‘Helping Others Also Helps Me’

Keara had a similar realization on her journey toward mental wellness. Healing doesn’t happen alone; helping others can also be part of it.

After her injuries forced Keara to medically retire, she struggled with the loss of camaraderie. Her bond with fellow soldiers was a source of strength, and something felt missing without it.

WWP gave her a chance to reconnect and begin to heal. “The tools I learned through different programs were helpful in my healing, but then I found that helping others also helps me,” she said. “It’s given me purpose again.”

She’s stepped into this purpose by becoming a peer mentor, hosting a monthly peer support group, and being a warrior leader who organizes and hosts connection events for other warriors.

“My motivation to help other veterans is about living the Wounded Warrior Project logo. I had my time when I was carried. Now I can help carry others,” she said. 

New Tools for Your Mental Health Journey

Healing after trauma is a journey. Personal, family, and career changes can trigger memories and new challenges.

WWP offers resources to support veterans and their loved ones at any stage of their healing journey.

Sean realized his needs had changed after remarrying Darline, a civilian nurse.  “Darline had never been in the military … so some aspects of my PTSD were brand new to her." 

A couple's Project Odyssey offered Sean and Darline tools to improve communication and understand each other’s perspectives.

"It helped me see how my PTSD and other issues affect my wife and my family in general," Sean said. “We made a promise to each other – when we see ourselves veer off, we remind each other to come back to what we learned. It has helped us a lot.”  

Keara also found participating in a couples’ Project Odyssey incredibly helpful for her marriage.

“My husband Joe is not a veteran, so he came home with a lot more clarity on what I was going through,” she said. “It was also a great reminder that while we’ve figured some things out, there’s still room to grow.”

The program had a lasting impact. After returning from the retreat, the couple decided to relocate from Minnesota to Kansas so Keara could be closer to family and have more support.

Inspired by what they gained, both Keara and Joe now give back as peer mentors for couples' Project Odyssey.

Always a Work in Progress

"I will always be healing and growing," said Keara. "While I can carry others, there are days when I need to be carried."

Sean agrees, noting that he rides a bike not just to stay fit but as a tool to build patience. "I had PTSD episodes that manifested as road rage sometimes, so I commute to work on my bike. I get exercise, enjoy nature, and it helps my mental health,” he said.

"We all have good days and bad days, but patience with yourself and others – and mental well-being – is possible with time and practice,” added Sean.

Learn more about WWP’s mental health services for veterans.

*Warrior Survey, Wave 3 (conducted May 25-Aug.1, 2023)

Contact: Cynthia Weiss – Public Relations, cweiss@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904. 738.2589

About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.