The Other Battle Scars

The Other Battle Scars

Brave Brain

When veterans return home from war there are many programs to help heal their bodies, but often it’s their hearts and minds that require the most attention. Dr. Marvin Westwood and Dr. David Kuhl identified this need back in 1997 and developed the Veterans Transition Program (VTP) at UBC to help with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other issues that veterans face.

“Our society has such a stigma attached to mental illness that it has made getting help even harder,” says Dr. Westwood. “What we need to remember about PTSD is that it’s not a disease, it’s actually an injury that can be healed.”

The program was originally set up as a pilot project to help local BC veterans. However, in October of 2012 it was successfully granted federal funding and the opportunity to help veterans across Canada. It was the passion and dedication of UBC alumnus Tim Laidler, who recently received the 2013 Young Alumnus Award, that made this a reality. As Executive Director, Tim has helped establish the Veterans Transition Network (VTN), a non-profit organization that is taking UBC’s Veterans Transition Program to cities across the country.

In 2007, Tim left UBC in his 3rd year of undergrad to serve in Afghanistan. “When I got home in ’08 I was able to finish my degree, but I found I was always tired and getting frustrated about things way too easily,” explained Tim, “I felt like things were fine but I felt dead inside.” He eventually realized he was suffering from PTSD and luckily a friend told him about Dr. Westwood and VTP.

“The program changed my life,” said Tim, “Afterwards I just had to get all my military friends to go. I gave them no choice about it and thankfully they all listened. Every one of them felt the same positive change as I did.”

Tim loved the program so much that he has now dedicated himself to growing it, but he’s clearly one success story of many. Dr. Westwood confirmed “90% of the veterans who have participated in the program have settled into new careers and shown improvement in personal relationships.”

Related Content

Tim Laidler and Dr. Marvin Westwood Credit: Martin Dee
Veterans Transition Group Session Credit: Martin Dee

Associated Campus

Vancouver Campus
Dr. Marv Westwood (left) and Tim Laidler (right) Credit: Martin Dee

“PTSD ... it’s not a disease, it’s actually an injury that can be healed.”

Associated Commitment

Alumni Engagement

Twitter

On June 6 1944, 14,000 Canadians stormed the coast of Normandy during #WW2. D-Day was a victory for Canadians, but… https://t.co/Ypa3xR2XdT
1 day ago.
Le 6 juin 1944, 14 000 Canadiens ont pris d'assaut les côtes de la Normandie. Le jour J était une victoire pour les… https://t.co/CNWUjHXqwx
1 day ago.
Today, on #CAFDay, we pay tribute to all members of the @CanadianForces, both past and present, for their dedicatio… https://t.co/ZOJ3dk8922
3 days ago.
“This course was critical to my therapy and had provided several viewpoints that I had not been able to assimilate… https://t.co/U2dhvY2OPj
7 days ago.
Today on #InternationalDayofUNPeacekeepers , we honour those who serve and have served in areas of conflict around t… https://t.co/ugCN9IVOPX
9 days ago.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honours the Canadians who have lost their lives in service to Canada. 23 years ago… https://t.co/l61SzBPWuE
28 May, 23
The Snowbirds are back! Canada's iconic air demonstration team is set to take to the skies once again with their th… https://t.co/jKmhiKJo0L
27 May, 23
RT @L_MacAulay: Hier, @EmmanuelDubourg et moi avons rencontré le Réseau de transition des vétérans pour discuter du soutien que leurs progr…
26 May, 23
RT @L_MacAulay: Yesterday, @EmmanuelDubourg and I met with the Veterans Transition Network to discuss how their programs are supporting fol…
25 May, 23
It’s been 108 years since the end of the 2nd Battle of Ypres. It was the first major battle fought by Canadian troo… https://t.co/jglXQlbABT
25 May, 23