BJJ as Somatic Psychotherapy for PTSD Treatment & Prevention
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that can be practiced for sport, self-defence, or recreation. Anecdotally, BJJ practice is associated with numerous life-improving benefits. Studies are now proving the anecdotes true; uncovering how BJJ training may be applied to solve problems facing our community.
PTSD is a disabling mental health condition. Symptoms can include re-experiencing of traumatic events, increased depression and anxiety, and negative changes in mood and cognition. In Canada, PTSD disproportionally affects 1st responders and armed forces personnel. 30% of 1st responders develop behavioural health conditions. People that develop mental illnesses are more likely to die prematurely and suffer lower quality of life. Additionally, mental illness costs Canadian tax payers an estimated $50 billion per year. Mental illness, including suicidal behaviours, is higher amongst police officers than in the general population. A significant relationship exists between police stress and use of force. Further, mentally healthy officers are better able to engage with people in crisis and reduce violent confrontations.
The Canadian government implemented a mental health strategy for RCMP officers in 2014, but concerns have already been raised regarding this program. In the United States, fewer than half of the veterans needing mental health services receive any treatment. Further, of those treated only one third receive evidence-based care. Veterans account for 20% of the deaths from suicide in the US with 18 to 22 veteran suicide deaths every day. There is a “staggering†need for additional PTSD treatment options.
Consider BJJ as a complementary and alternative method for treating PTSD: Willing et al (2019) found that 40 BJJ sessions over 5 months yielded clinically meaningful improvements in PTSD symptoms. Further, participants in this study also decreased comorbidities associated with PTSD including depression, anxiety, and alcohol use.
Similarly, Weinberg & Burraston (2021) found that 60 hours of BJJ training significantly improved PTSD symptoms in veterans and 1st responders. Additionally, they reported increased ability to manage aggression, empowerment, discipline, and mindfulness that translated to life outside of BJJ.
Self-defence training can improve mental health in victims of violence. David, Simpson, & Cotton (2006) showed that self-defence training for females who had suffered sexual trauma is associated with significant decreases in depression, avoidance, and PTSD hyper-arousal with significant increases in interpersonal activity and self-efficacy.
The authors of these studies identified several reasons why BJJ practice improves PTSD symptoms. One reason being that BJJ is great physical exercise. BJJ conditions multiple body systems simultaneously. However, finding proof that exercise alone improves symptoms of PTSD is difficult. A second reason is the problem-solving element of BJJ instills resilience that transfers to life outside BJJ. This has been compared to a form of exposure therapy. BJJ allows traumatized individuals to practice successful resolution of difficult and uncomfortable struggles. BJJ practitioners learn appropriate levels of engagement and gain a perception of being able to contribute to solutions of problems in real-life. Finally, the social element of BJJ contributes to improved mental health. Social withdrawal is an avoidance strategy associated with PTSD. BJJ requires social interaction and, as one recovering veteran stated, BJJ forges bonds comparable to the brotherhood found in the army.
P.T.S.D. treatment plans typically focus on increasing awareness, reducing stigma, education, and pharmacological interventions. Mention of diet or exercise as treatment and prevention seems sparce. A defining attribute of BJJ is efficiency. One action can solve many problems. BJJ is your fitness program, mental health, social network, and games night all in one. In a system ill-equipped to handle the challenge at hand, BJJ should be considered as a complementary and alternative treatment to alleviate the burden of mental illness on our community. Most people will never engage in competitive grappling and most will never need the self-defence skills learned in training. However, the burden that mental illness places on individuals and on communities only continues to grow. In addition to mental health benefits, BJJ also offers physical fitness, increased self-confidence, improved classroom behaviour in kids, and much more. WGA offers FREE classes every week so that all Wetaskiwinians can experience the benefits of BJJ, grappling arts, and kinesiology.
