Watch Surviving Home

Surviving Home is a gripping and heart-warming documentary that explores the lives of three veterans - Heather, Joe, and Matt - as they return home from war and struggle to reintegrate into civilian life. The film is directed by Matthew Moul and produced by Stephanie Seldin Howard. Heather is a former Army sergeant who served in Iraq, where she survived an IED explosion that left her with a traumatic brain injury and PTSD. Back home, she faces a new battle: navigating the VA system and finding a job that accommodates her disabilities. Despite these setbacks, Heather remains determined to build a stable life for herself and her young daughter.

Joe is a Marine veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he sustained multiple injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and PTSD. He has since become an advocate for veterans' mental health and runs a non-profit organization that offers outdoor activities and peer support to veterans. However, Joe's own mental health continues to be a challenge, and he struggles to keep his non-profit afloat amidst financial difficulties.

Matt is an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he was injured by two IED explosions. Upon returning home, he found relief in alcohol and drugs and was soon spiraling out of control. With the help of his family and a VA treatment program, Matt begins the difficult process of recovery, learning to manage his addiction and PTSD.

The film follows these veterans over the course of several years, documenting their triumphs and setbacks, and offering a glimpse into the complex and often overlooked struggles of returning veterans. In addition to the veterans themselves, the film features interviews with family members, healthcare providers, and non-profit organizations, highlighting the importance of community support in the healing process.

One of the film's main strengths is its honest portrayal of the veterans' experiences, showing both the highs and lows of their journeys. As Heather navigates the VA system and struggles to find employment, the film highlights the bureaucratic hurdles that face many returning veterans. Joe's story is also a poignant reminder of the long-term effects of war on veterans' mental health, and the challenges that come with being an advocate for others while still struggling with one's own demons. Meanwhile, Matt's journey through recovery is a testament to the resilience and determination of those who refuse to let their injuries define them.

Another strength of the film is its focus on the importance of community support. Throughout the film, we see the crucial role that family members, non-profit organizations, and healthcare providers play in the veterans' lives, offering emotional and practical support when it is needed most. The documentary also spotlights the power of peer support, as veterans come together to share their experiences and support one another through difficult times.

Overall, Surviving Home is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the challenges facing returning veterans, and the importance of community support in their healing and reintegration. It is a must-see for anyone interested in veterans' issues, mental health, and the impact of war on individuals and communities.

Surviving Home is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes.