Whole Warrior, Whole Health: Holistic Approaches to Veteran Well-Being

The engaging roundtable focused on holistic approaches that support United States veterans’ well-being. This discussion explored complex and diverse perspectives to encourage collaborative problem solving, mutual learning, and implications for future research. The moderator and three panelists actively discussed integrating holistic practices with conventional medical treatments, emphasizing the importance of coordination, community engagement, and working alongside veterans throughout the process. They highlighted the need for personalized and veteran-driven approaches, addressing physical and psychological challenges, and the role of peer mentoring and community partnerships. Specific examples of holistic approaches included canine therapy, beekeeping, photovoice methods, and storytelling. The challenges to implementing and engaging of these holistic approaches were identified as stigma, active engagement, physical limitations, and funding. Nonetheless, the importance of ongoing training, internships, and customized support are paramount to enhance veterans’ resilience and overall well-being.