There are numerous reasons young Americans choose to enlist in the armed services, including a sense of patriotism, a family tradition of service, education opportunities, and financial incentives. Many recruits are high school graduates with limited options, and enlisting seems like an opportunity to learn skills and have a job. The reality often ends up being much different. Our soldiers fight an unseen enemy and face the risk of casualties from IEDs, suicide bombers, and more. Many come home with limited skills, questionable employment opportunities, severe physical injuries, and mental health issues. Access to veteran mental health treatment is severely lacking and greatly needed.
At Harmony Hills, we are committed to addressing the problem of inadequate access to quality mental health services for our veterans. Our Heroes Program provides comprehensive therapy in a safe, structured, welcoming environment. To learn more about our treatment options for veterans, reach out to the Harmony Hills team. Use our online form or call 855.494.0357.
The Importance of Veteran Mental Health Treatment
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), 30% of Vietnam veterans experience PTSD in their lifetime. One of every five veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq has PTSD or depression. Suicide among service members, veterans, and their families is a public health crisis. According to a recent fact sheet from The White House briefing room, more than 65,000 veterans have died by suicide since 2010. That number is more than the combat deaths of Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan combined.
Veterans face numerous challenges in transitioning back into civilian life, especially if they have spent time in a war zone or active combat. Finding healthy ways to manage their trauma is difficult without professional mental health treatment. Many turn to heavy drug and alcohol use, seeking relief from their symptoms, which leads to substance use disorders, and creates a dangerous cycle that is hard to break.
Mental health conditions that are common in active service members and veterans include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Substance use disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Chronic pain
Our servicemen and women volunteered to protect our nation, often in dangerous conditions and at significant risk to their physical and mental well-being. At Harmony Hills, we believe we owe them and their families access to comprehensive mental health treatment. That is why we developed our Heroes Program.
What Are the Benefits of Residential Treatment for PTSD in Veterans?
While anyone is susceptible to PTSD, it is most commonly associated with military personnel. Symptoms of PTSD include repeated, unwanted, and intrusive memories about a traumatic event. Other common signs and symptoms can include:
- Recurrent dreams or nightmares about the trauma
- Flashbacks
- Emotional detachment from people or situations
- Intense guilt, or a distorted sense of blame about the trauma
- Physiological reactions, including headaches, nausea, or body aches
- Extreme duress at exposure to reminders of the trauma
- Persistent anger, fear, worry, or other intense emotions
Another typical symptom of PTSD is losing interest in previously enjoyed things, including time with family and friends. This usually stems from the desire to people, places, and things that trigger memories of their trauma.
Residential mental health treatment for veterans provides a safe, therapeutic environment with 24-hour access to support. Further, it allows veterans to become wholly immersed in treatment, away from the triggers of daily life. Residential treatment also provides a built-in support network of peers who can relate to one another’s feelings and experiences.
Call Harmony Hills Today for More Information on Veteran Mental Health Treatment
Living with the effects of untreated trauma causes immense pain and destruction for individuals and their families. The suicide rates for active service members, veterans, and their families have reached epidemic proportions. Viable treatment options need to become more available. At Harmony Hills, we are committed to being part of the solution. If you would like more information on our veteran mental health treatment options for yourself or a loved one, call Harmony Hills today at 855.494.0357.
