When a veteran suffers post-traumatic stress disorder, depression or other mental health issues, the Blue Star Ranch on Lost Creek Road in Saugus is available to serve.

Blue Star Ranch services are provided free to veterans and their families.

The Blue Star Ranch goals are to prevent suicide and help heal the whole family.

We train soldiers to go to war, but we do nothing when they return to prepare them for reentry into civilian life.

PTSD, depression and other mental health issues are known as the “Invisible Wounds Of War.” However, if you are living with them, the wounds are not invisible.

Can you imagine leaving your family behind to go to war to defend our country, then coming back and having your child call you a “monster”?

Nobody can express it better than the veterans themselves when it comes to teaching others how important the Blue Star Ranch services are to our veterans and their families.

Some words from our veterans:

• “The experience I had with the horses was a really helpful coping skill. By interacting with the horses I was able to relax and most importantly, I learned to look at the horses as some of our soldiers. By this I mean, horses are willing to follow and lead when they need to. Without a doubt, this program is very helpful. You have people who care about you and your adaptation to living a better life. Just being able to talk to people who don’t rush to judgment and listen to what you are going through. I’m glad my wife found this program. I’m very grateful.”

• “What I liked about the sessions at Blue Star Ranch was being outside. It had a grounding affect for one. I also enjoyed interacting with the horses and observing the feedback/responses to me. The outdoor environment was a great benefit for processing issues I had not touched upon in many years. I found it to be non-threatening/non-intimidating than therapy I’ve had in an office setting. I have learned that I don’t need to let fear and anxiety control me. I can push through the fear/anxiety to pursue interests that I find enjoyable and experience happiness from these activities. Thanks bunches, Katie & Nancy, for your commitment to helping veterans.”

Donations are always accepted and appreciated.

And pass the word on to any veteran you know in need with PTSD, depression, or other issues.

To learn more about Blue Star Ranch, call 661-312-6184 or visit www.BlueStarRanch.org.