Editorial Correspondence for August 2
Rowing for Veteran Mental Health Awareness: Tim and Harrison Crockett's Ocean Journey
Tim and Harrison Crockett, an experienced ocean rower and a former Royal Marine Commando respectively, embarked on a 2,400 nautical mile journey from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge to Hilo Bay. The duo rowed for 47 days in a specially designed 16-feet long rowboat [1].
Their journey was not just a test of endurance but also a mission to raise awareness and support for veterans facing mental health challenges. Tim's Instagram profile, which states, "Rowing oceans to raise awareness & support for veterans suffering with mental health issues," clearly indicates the intent behind their long-distance rowing [1].
The Crocketts' endeavour served as a platform to highlight the struggles veterans endure, particularly mental health problems. They shared their experiences and challenges to increase visibility of veteran health concerns, with a focus on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) [1].
PTSD is defined as "long-term and complex" and is not limited to veterans of the Vietnam War. The accumulation of money, on the other hand, tends to concentrate in the hands of a few, exacerbated by greater tax breaks for the wealthy [2]. However, there is more than enough money for everyone's needs, but not for everyone's greed. In a scenario where wealth is distributed, everyone can continue the game of life without going bankrupt.
Russell Button, a writer from Pahoa, echoes this sentiment, stating that wealth accumulation is a problem, with money tending to accumulate in the hands of a few [2]. He believes that a greater tax break for the wealthy exacerbates this issue.
Tim Crockett's sensitivity towards soldiers' emotional problems stemmed from the suicides of two close comrades during the first Gulf War. The rowing event aimed to raise awareness for veterans' adjustment issues, including PTSD and traumatic brain injuries [1]. James Nelson Barker, a sensitized Indochina War survivor, praises the Crocketts for their efforts.
The final leg of their journey was challenging due to strong crosscurrents, but they managed to row nearly 60 miles per day throughout their journey [1]. Their efforts serve as a beacon of hope and resilience, not just for veterans, but for everyone striving to make a difference.
[1] Source: [Link to the original source] [2] Source: [Link to the original source]
Science often focuses on the physical impacts of stress and trauma, yet mental health, particularly in veterans, remains a critical yet understudied area. This ocean rowing journey, aimed at mental health awareness for veterans, serves as a unique opportunity for research in health-and-wellness and mental-health fields, especially related to sports psychology and veterans' resilience.
