Did you know that beekeeping is becoming part of a therapeutic solution to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? According to its wikipedia page, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that can develop after a person is exposed to a traumatic event, such as sexual assault, warfare, traffic collisions, or other threats on a person’s life.[1] Symptoms may include disturbing thoughts, feelings, or dreams related to the events, mental or physical distress to trauma-related cues, attempts to avoid trauma-related cues, alterations in how a person thinks and feels, and an increase in the fight-or-flight response.[1][3] These symptoms last for more than a month after the event.[1] Young children are less likely to show distress but instead may express their memories through play.[1] A person with PTSD is at a higher risk for suicide and intentional self-harm.[2][6]”
There are a large number of programs featuring beekeeping with relation to this condition. Beekeeping is being used in prisons as well, providing a possible source of income beyond its psychological benefits. It’s also an international phenomenon.
From a veterans viewpoint perhaps one of the most influential outfits providing both training and care is something called the Save Farm. An article my website features this outfit in some detail. Entitled “Can Beekeeping Save A Life” it’s worth checking out for its vision and association with professionals in the field. Finally, read it to find out how one of beekeeping’s iconic figures, L.L. Langstroth, might have been helped via his beekeeping efforts.
