Army Veteran helping other vets overcome PTSD
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Asia Tabb
Airdate: Tuesday, June 25th, 2024
Ahead of the Fourth of July celebrations, The Spark on WITF had the opportunity of speaking with Sam Peterson, The Director of Veteran Programs for Altior Healthcare. For many veterans, fireworks and loud noises can be triggering for those dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorders.
Sam Peterson, MBA is a former Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician and military contractor. Sam also served three tours in Afghanistan. He described his first time there as nerve wrecking.
“I just remember getting out of the truck on an explosive ordnance disposal incident. So, we would roll up, and there would be an improvised explosive device. Someone was actively trying to target us. I just remember every time I got out of the truck, I would step out on the truck with my right leg first because that’s what I was okay with getting blown off.”
Peterson served in the army from 2009-2015. He realized he was struggling with a lot of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms, a traumatic brain injury, and emotional outbursts. During his second deployment, he was sent home early due to an injury. A quick trip to the store made him realize how severe his symptoms were.
“I got injured and got sent home early, being back home and walking into a Walmart to go buy a TV for a house I had just bought, someone gave me a look, and immediately my brain switched into threat response, and I had a full-blown panic attack right there in Walmart.”
During Sam’s journey in the army, he says he loved serving his country and found it really fulfilling, but dealing with explosive devices, and being in Afghanistan, truly wore on his mental state. He was experiencing panic attacks daily post being in the army.
“Those panic attacks worsened until it got to the point where I just wanted to end it all just so in my head. So, I just a 45 in my mouth and I was not ready to pull the trigger, and my phone went off in my pocket. And it was one of my friends you know that text message ended up saving my life and I was able to get into these alternative therapies.
Shortly after that near death experience, Peterson decided to get help with his PTSD symptoms. He found ketamine infusion therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and transcranial magnetic simulation helpful.
After losing a mentor to death by suicide, he realized there was a need for more effective mental health care for vets and first responders. He founded both outpatient and inpatient treatment programs for veterans and first responders to receive more effective treatment for PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, and Brain Injuries. The Patriot PowerUp Neuro-Rehabilitation Program is one of the programs Sam created.
“It’s really rewarding to be able to show these individuals that not only is there hope, but we can help them get better. I don’t think you can ever get fully rid of PTSD, but we can certainly turn down the volume significantly.”
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