PTSD: at Tunnel’s End

PTSD – post-traumatic stress disorder – affects many soldiers after they return from war. Severe concussions, the loss of comrades, and the brutal realities of combat leave lasting psychological wounds. How can those who have lived through war overcome this and return to civilian life?

In St. Petersburg, veterans Yury and Aleksey are undergoing a course of body-based therapy. They are relearning how to live in civilian surroundings and how to manage aggression shaped by trauma. In Moscow, psychologist Yulia was widowed in 2022 when her husband was killed near Bakhmut. To cope with grief and depression, she now focuses on helping others, preparing field rations that have proven popular with soldiers on the front line.

Roman, a paratrooper from Novosibirsk, was severely wounded and left confined to a wheelchair. Sports helped him confront despair and rediscover the will to live. Today, he captains a powerchair football team and is studying psychology so one day he can support others facing similar struggles.

Vladimir, a veteran of the Special Military Operation, narrowly survived a mine explosion. After returning to his hometown of Barnaul, he set up a patriotic club to train future servicemen. Working with young people has become an important part of his recovery.

Watch “PTSD: at Tunnel’s End” on RTD website and on RT’s live feed. The time of the broadcast is available on RT’s schedule page.