Iditarod Adventure Helps Topeka Veteran Heal PTSD

Topeka veteran competes in Iditarod, uses adventure to deal with PTSD
KCTV News
By Laura McCallister,
Multimedia Producer
By Carolyn Long, Anchor
Mar 06, 2015

TOPEKA, KS (KCTV)
The Iditarod begins Saturday and this year a Topeka man will compete in the "last great race on Earth."

Steve Watkins, 38 enjoys adventure and a good adrenaline rush.

"There's nothing like a strong, compelling physical challenge," he said.

It's what led him to the Armed Forces in 1999.

“I never thought I'd serve in a war, much less two wars,” he said.

But a traumatic brain injury sidelined him, that and post-traumatic stress disorder that he describes as recurring guilt.

"I feel guilty because so many of my friend and classmates from West Point died and I feel guilty that they did and that I didn't and I understand that doesn't satisfy logic, but it's how I feel," Watkins said.

When conventional therapies didn't help, Watkins turned to adventure and starting training for the Iditarod.

"It helps on many levels, and even more deep-seeded spiritual level. It's very cleansing and grounding," he said.

"So many veterans feel like the most significant part of their life is over and that leads to depression and suicide, and my message is that just because our great wars are over doesn't mean our lives can't be full of significance and meaning.”
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