In Waves and War: L'odyssée des vétérans

I was deeply moved by this documentary. It brings to light the silent catastrophe of the challenges Navy SEAL veterans face after their service. One number struck me profoundly: 4.3 suicides for every person killed in combat. That alone is a stark, horrifying testament to the invisible wounds carried by these extraordinary individuals.

I am immensely grateful to the veterans who agreed to participate and share their experiences. Watching them, I was struck again and again by how similar their struggles are and how, despite the best therapeutic efforts, trauma of this magnitude often leaves people powerless. These are exceptional people with exceptional skills facing the very worst imaginable, and the consequences of that clash are, unsurprisingly, devastating. It doesn't take a doctor to understand that - yet so few outside the military seem to realize it. That, to me, is the real scandal.

The documentary also highlights an experimental psychedelic treatment. While I find this path fascinating and appreciate its historical roots in traditional shamanic practices, it's important to be critical. The film sometimes feels like an infomercial. There is no control group, the placebo effect is untested, and such treatments are not without serious risks - bad trips can occur. It is not a therapy for everyone. We must also be cautious of commercialization; if pharmaceutical companies and opportunists get involved, this promising avenue could be industrialized and exploited, creating new problems.

That said, the documentary is a gift. Its portrayal of courage, vulnerability, and the often unseen cost of extraordinary service is invaluable. Everyone, whether in psychiatry, psychology, or simply a compassionate viewer, should watch it. If it's not your thing, that's fine - you can pass. But this is a gift worth opening, even if just to witness the reality faced by these remarkable veterans.

As someone who has benefited from psychedelics as medicine I can attest to their efficacy. But these guys are impressive cases. The toughest around and the least likely to seek this kind of therapy and yet they report life-altering improvements. Incredibly piercing and intimate, bravo to the people spearheading this medicine for the betterment of their brothers. This is a strong testament of the healing available through the gifts of nature.

This was a well done piece and my hope is that more attention will be given towards psychedelic therapy and research. I struggle with PTSD, TMI, anxiety/depression...i too have experienced the same healing through the use of psychedelics.

I know my review doesn't really inspire you to wanna see the film, but you should. It's a very moving, very relatable piece and the topic is definitely something that could use a second look. What do you have to lose when you have nothing else to lose.

I don't usually write reviews but In Waves and War is one of the most humbling and emotionally honest programmes I have watched in years. It goes far beyond the battlefield. It shows real heroes breaking through the walls of toxic masculinity, confronting their inner demons, and allowing vulnerability to sit alongside courage. The series lays bare the true impact of war not only on the individuals who serve, but on the families who sacrifice right alongside them. It is raw, reflective, and deeply human. Waves and War is more than entertainment. It is a reminder of the cost of service and the strength it takes to heal. An absolute must-see.

I can understand why some people have given this documentary a low rating-though I don't agree. The first half is genuinely captivating, especially hearing directly from the SEALs. The second half, however, shifts into psychedelic therapy, and I'll admit-it's definitely strange. At times it almost looks like some kind of voodoo magic. I get why that might turn some viewers off.

That said, anyone who's experienced EMDR for PTSD knows that can seem pretty weird too-but it works. I don't fully understand how psychedelic therapy could have the effects it claims, but I'm willing to believe it's possible. Overall, I think the film is worth watching, and I hope we'll see more peer-reviewed research in the future to support the powerful testimonials shared here.

I hope this film reaches other veterans struggling with PTSD-and that it might help them find the kind of healing they deserve.