Overland Bound Members come from a wide variety of backgrounds and represent a wide range of vehicles and expedition styles. There is one group of members in our ranks that stand out in their commitment to the Overland Bound mission, and that is US Military Veterans (especially those suffering from PTSD).
We asked Overland Bound Member #1023, William Campbell, to share more about his journey with PTSD and how overlanding has helped him in his healing process.
PTSD and Overlanding
By William Campbell
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is understood by most on some level. It is typically associated with negative experience(s) while serving in combat far from home. While this is true, PTSD is a disorder endured by tens of thousands of individuals who have numerous and diverse experiences that produce the same symptoms. These symptoms include hyper vigilance, anxiety, depression, anger, flashbacks, and strong feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Non-military traumatic events may be physical or mental abuse, an automobile accident, or witnessing the death of a friend or relative. We are all susceptible and there are literally hundreds of ways to develop PTSD.
There is no current way to determine in advance who is likely to develop PTSD and the degree of severity. For some, PTSD can be completely debilitating while another may contract a form that allows normal functioning. Those that suffer from PTSD are not crazy. They are not weak. They are simply responding normally to abnormal experiences. Every person has their own threshold which explains why a shared experience may have a profound influence on one, and roll off the back of another. The more traumatic experiences you’ve had throughout your life, the more you become predisposed to develop the disorder.
My story
Full disclosure, I’ve been diagnosed with a chronic form of PTSD. Without going into great detail, I was abused as a child. It was this abuse that led me to escape to the military where I learned what was and was not acceptable behavior. I didn’t know what it was like to have positive self-esteem, and certainly didn’t know the foundation for chronic PTSD had been laid. I was already exhibiting symptoms of traumatic stress prior to going to war in 2004-2005 but was not consciously aware. For me, it was combat that pushed me over the edge.
Those with PTSD, particularly those with a service background (e.g. the military and first responders) often seek out those things that give comfort. It may be hard to believe, but often those with PTSD seek out the security they felt while a member of the service. This may seem counter-intuitive given the cause of their PTSD may be rooted in that very same group. Nonetheless, it was a shared hardship and there was safety in numbers. There is a sense you were not alone.
The Road Back Home
How does this relate to overlanding and Overland Bound specifically? What is it about Overland Bound that gives those with PTSD a sense of belonging, well-being and comfort?
I can only speak through the filter of my own experience, but it is a sense of camaraderie and shared hardship that binds those in the military and first responders together. Combat serves only to strengthen this bond. When men and women return home and are separated, there is a strong sense of loss (whether conscious or subconscious). It is only natural that upon separation one would seek out that same sense of belonging. Overlanding provides a mission, Overland Bound the camaraderie. Those who never served in the military may not feel the same sense of mission, but everyone wants to fit in; everyone craves the acceptance and praise of their peers. Overland Bound feeds that desire.
On the trail to Gallagher Head Lake, WA with an Overland Bound crew.
From my perspective, the thing that sets Overland Bound apart is a feeling of support and family. These aspects are important for those with PTSD because it’s this kind of environment that promotes healing. Overland Bound encourages involvement, but does so without expectation or judgment. This attitude is promoted at the top (i.e. Michael and Corrie). A personal example of this occurred while preparing for 2016 Off the Grid. Because of PTSD, I expressed my concern about being surrounded in a large group. Those of us with PTSD will immediately identify with the fear of being unable to control the environment. Those who don’t suffer from PTSD may not understand this seemingly irrational concern but the leadership at Overland Bound didn’t question my request. I was simply given an accommodation in a peripheral campsite. I always felt respected and was never treated as an isolationist.
Overland Bound is a community. Much like the military, members rely on and support other members; it’s fundamental to the basic tenants of the group. The concept of “It doesn’t matter what you drive” is consistent with family and acceptance.
If PTSD is a part of your life and you enjoy exploration for its own reward, take a chance on Overland Bound; just get out and explore, Overland Bound has your back.
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Incredible story. You both do very well. My deepest respect.
[QUOTE="Corrie, post: 50822, member: 2161"]More stories about our Veteran Members… [USER=3181]@ce4460[/USER] took time to tell us more about his story as a Vet with PTSD, and how overlanding has helped him on his path.
Thank you, Bill. For everything.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Overlander
Overland Bound Members come from a wide variety…
Continue reading the Original Blog Post.[/QUOTE]
Thank You, [USER=3181]@ce4460[/USER] for your service, for sharing, and for being a friend!
Major props for being able to open up about your life! Thank you
Not an easy share, I'm sure, [USER=3181]@ce4460[/USER]. But thank you – and thank you for your dedication to this country.
PTSD is a hell of a thing. To see it ravage friends is hard too. It's a big, and bold move to acknowledge the struggle, [USER=3181]@ce4460[/USER]. Thank you for trusting OB to shoulder some of that with you.
[USER=3181]@ce4460[/USER] Thank you for your service to our country
[USER=3181]@ce4460[/USER] WOW Bill, Thank you for sharing such a heart felt and difficult story. You bring the Words that I can't, to describe my appreciation for the support/care/love this community brings to the table. [USER=1]@Michael[/USER] and [USER=2161]@Corrie[/USER] have essentially provided a gift and a resource for Vets to become healthier and happier as a living part, of something "Larger Than Life" as was my USAF career. The camaraderie in OB is immeasurable.
Thank you all for Being there!!!!
@ce4460 /Bill, I am a new member of OB and a Viet Nam combat vet as well. As you know, you are not alone but sometimes it’s hard to remember that. I also have to deal with PTSD that I didn’t actually know I had a problem with. Back in my war, they didn’t know anything about PTSD so we just had to suck it up and carry on. Most of us just thought it was a normal byproduct of living in a combat zone. My PTSD came to a head in 2006 and I finally got into a treatment program at the VA. It doesn’t go away, but at least I now know how to deal with it.
I am still building my vehicle but when I finish I hope to meet some of the OB members on excursion trips. I live in the Florida Panhandle so it may be a while before I get out west, but I will get there eventually.
Semper Fi
WOW what an Incredible story ive never served so could never imagine what you have been through but something my first fire chef told me that has stuck with me " PTSD is not a sign of weakness but a sign of STRENGTH resulting from doing what others fear to do" much respect mate i wish you all the best with your journey
Great story, thank you for sharing this and your service. So glad this community is helping you through this. Hope to meet you sometime out on the trail. Take care.
What a great story and thank you so much for sharing this and your service to this country. Hope to meet you out on the trail sometime. Take care.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us all. I do understand how you feel first hand and have some of the same struggles as you expressed. It was great meeting you at the the PNW meet up last weekend. We will have to get out on the trails sometime..
[USER=3181]@ce4460[/USER] I respect your courage. I always thought PTSD only affected soldiers, until I read your story. I was also raised in an abusive environment, and have had to learn some hard lessons about what kind of behavior is and is not acceptable. You have taught me something….Thank You!
I dont suffer from ptsd but a very similiar issue. Multiple TBI's. very similiar symptoms different causes. Overlanding and just the fact that its on my mind even when im not out enjoying the adventure keeps my mind off of other things. Thanks for sharing!
Hey Bill, New member here. Good read, thanks for sharing. Looks like we were in country at the same time, 04-05. Hope to see you on the trail sometime! Cheers
Suffering from anxiety myself, (mine isn't military related), I completely understand and thank #1023, William Campbell, for coming forward with his story. Thanks you all so much that help and understand.
Bill, thanks for your service and thanks for sharing your story. I am a Desert Shield / Desert Storm Vet . I am a new member of Overland Bound and excited to be a part of this
Bill, thanks for your service and thanks for sharing your story. I am a Desert Shield / Desert Storm Vet. I am a new member of Overland Bound and excited to be a part of this!
Bill, I’m in a similar situation. I find that being out in the wild with space relaxes me. Believe it or not golf is another relaxing event. I see people get stressed because they can’t hit a ball. I tell them your not a pro so don’t worry.
I’m in a veterans motorcycle club and it’s a way to be around brothers who understand. The next thing I found is overlanding. When you meet up with groups they are always open and willing to shoot the shit, but I find at least we have the overlanding that connects us which means I can talk with them and relate.
Talking to Civies is hard for them and for us and we can discriminate because they don’t understand. But remember there are people like the overland bound community who are here and willing to listen.
Keep strong.
Same here. Afghanistan Vet here. Bison armored ambulance driver. And yep. I've had my battles with the demon. And getting out does help. So does talking about it. Im glad to see were not alone here brother.