Veterans around the country struggle with mental health and wellness every day. PTSD, depression, and co-occurring disorders can make it hard for many to cope with daily life. Unfortunately, many veterans don’t receive the help they need. For some, this can lead to worsening depression and suicidal ideation. For many vets, a suicide prevention program can help provide resources, community, and the support they need.
If you or a veteran in your life are struggling with suicidal ideation, know you are not alone. The team at Harmony Hills is here to help. At Harmony Hills, we put the mental health of veterans first. If you’re looking for suicide prevention resources or a suicide treatment center for veterans in Florida and the entire East Coast, call us now at 855.494.0357 to learn more about our programs.
Understanding PTSD and Suicide Prevention Programs
PTSD is one of the veterans’ most common mental health concerns that leads to depression and suicidal ideation. When the body undergoes trauma, the brain releases adrenaline and cortisol to help the body fight, flee, or feign death. Unfortunately, if the chemicals made during a traumatic event aren’t metabolized, a person can experience PTSD. The prolonged stress and reoccurrence of trauma that many vets experience during combat increase the risk of PTSD among veterans. Common signs of PTSD include:
- Re-experiencing through nightmares and flashbacks
- Avoiding other vets, places, people, or talking about time in the military
- Mood change, disassociation, suicidal thoughts, and changes in mental processing
When someone struggles with PTSD, it can become difficult to connect with others. Living in a constant state of hyperarousal can cause constant anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. For many vets, asking for help and discussing their experience is difficult without causing a re-experiencing episode. This can create feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and despair.
Why Do Veterans Commit Suicide?
There is no one answer to why veterans commit suicide. Factors such as traumatic experiences during deployment, exposure to combat, and readjusting to civilian life can all contribute to suicidal ideation. Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health within the military culture can make it difficult for veterans to seek help.
Some other common risk factors for veteran suicide include:
- Unemployment or financial struggles
- Substance abuse
- Feeling disconnected from family and friends
- Lack of access to mental health resources
It’s important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Suicide prevention programs for veterans can provide a safe and understanding environment for individuals to seek support and resources.
Suicide Prevention for Veterans in Florida
Suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and substance abuse are common among veterans with PTSD. Suicide prevention is accessible and safe. National and state-level services provide veterans with mental health support, including clinics here in Florida, providing veterans help for mental health and suicide prevention. Some local programs trained in veteran suicide prevention and trauma provide group counseling for those who have experienced combat along with tools for improving overall wellness.
Unfortunately, many vets may not have the mental healthcare and support they need. Suicide prevention programs can pair vets with qualified therapists to assess mental health disorders and PTSD treatment. Group and individual therapy provide a wealth of support, resources, and understanding to veterans struggling with mental health and thoughts of suicide.
Finding Suicide Prevention Resources in Florida
In Florida, we’re proud of our veterans. That’s why preventing suicide is our number one priority at Harmony Hills. As partners with PsychArmour and VA Train, every member of the Harmony Hills staff, from our kitchen staff to housekeeping, as well as our medical and psychiatric team, is trained to work with veterans. Harmony Hills has a long record of success in veteran care, helping clients across Florida manage PTSD and suicidal ideation. Suicide is preventable. If you or a vet in your life is experiencing symptoms of PTSD and is struggling with thoughts of suicide, Harmony Hills can help.
Our programs include various services for veterans, including PTSD treatment, suicide prevention, and other mental healthcare. Vets get the time and space they need from our programs. Our rural clinic’s serene landscapes and comprehensive mental health treatment programs help vets and their loved ones manage life’s changes.
Start Your Healing Journey Today at Harmony Hills
Call us now if you or a veteran in your life is struggling with PTSD, depression, suicidal ideation, or other mental health concerns. Call us at 855.494.0357 to learn more about our suicide prevention program and get started. You are not alone.
