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Therapy for Veterans: When Therapy Is Necessary, and How It Can Help
Therapy for Veterans: When Therapy Is Necessary, and How It Can Help
Military service members are exposed to stressful, even life-threatening situations that can cause mental health issues to develop. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anger, anxiety, and substance use disorders are some of the challenges that veterans may face as they transition back to civilian life.
One highly effective solution is therapy – if it’s the right therapy. With the help of an experienced therapist, such as the professionals at TICTI, veterans can take steps to address lingering psychological issues and live a happy, full, and peaceful life.
Military personnel may experience or witness highly distressing events during peacetime, training, and/or war. Since service members are exposed to high-pressure environments and traumatic situations, they are at risk for mental health consequences.
However, healing and recovery is possible. Therapy for veterans can reduce or eliminate symptoms and ease the transition back into civilian life.
If you suspect that you have one or more mental health issues from your time in the military, know that you’re not alone. Our team of trained therapists is here to support your healing process. Reach out to us today to get started.
How Can Therapy Help Veterans’ Mental Health?
Therapy can be a life-changing option for veterans. A trained therapist can help treat a range of mental health issues (such as depression, PTSD, anger, anxiety, or substance abuse) that may have developed as a result of military service. Using various therapeutic strategies, therapists may help veterans to process and resolve traumatic memories, promote positive thought patterns and healthy behaviors, and provide tools and recommendations for managing anxiety and depression in daily life.
What Kind of Mental Health Issues Do Veterans Experience?
Below are some of the most common psychological conditions that veterans face, along with what may cause them to develop:
PTSD
PTSD develops as a result of witnessing or experiencing one or more traumatic events that are too overwhelming or impossible to deal with or process at the time. Reminders can be triggering and cause anxiety, anger, discouragement, and more.
PTSD symptoms may include “reliving the event” through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts, avoidance of trauma reminders, feelings of detachment or feelings of irritability, and difficulty sleeping.
A veteran may develop PTSD from military sexual trauma; training accidents; seeing others wounded or killed; or any other horrifying, distressing incident(s).
Depression
Depression is common in veterans when they first return to civilian life, and it may also develop or persist over time. Some symptoms of depression may include ongoing sadness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, trouble concentrating, or isolation.
Veterans are prone to depression for a variety of reasons. Losing friends during combat, feeling disconnected and unable to relate to loved ones upon returning home, unemployment, and survivor’s guilt can all cause depression to develop.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Many veterans experience traumatic brain injuries. They can occur from a nearby explosion or a blow to the head or body. Symptoms can include confusion, disorientation, fatigue, headaches, mood changes, and memory problems.
Other Mental Health Issues Common In Veterans
Veterans are also at risk for other mental health challenges such as anger, anxiety, substance use disorder, and suicide.
Veterans may develop more than one mental health disorder, and some may not develop any at all.
Start Therapy For Veterans Today With TICTI
Are you a veteran struggling to fully adjust to life after the military? Many mental health issues experienced by veterans are treatable, and therapy can help you understand and manage your symptoms—and heal from the emotional wounds — to live a healthier, more peaceful life.
At TICTI, our trained clinicians provide a safe place for you to begin your healing process after serving in the military.
Our research-supported treatment model is individualized and may include:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) – EMDR involves concentrating on aspects of the upsetting memory while following the therapist’s moving finger with your eyes; this is repeated until the memory is no longer distressing. EMDR has been found to be the most efficient of the well-established trauma resolution methods.
- PC (Progressive Counting) – PC, developed by our founder, Dr. Ricky Greenwald, involves watching a “movie” of the upsetting memory in your mind, while the therapist counts aloud. In all three comparison studies, PC was found to be as effective, efficient, and well-tolerated as EMDR.
- Flash – The Flash technique is a relatively new method that enables clients to resolve traumatic memories while focusing on positive imagery. Preliminary research has found Flash to be non-distressing, safe, rapid, and effective.
As a veteran, you served despite highly distressing circumstances. If you’re experiencing difficulty in your everyday life as a result, it may be time to begin therapy. We are here to serve you in your journey towards healing and recovery.
If you’re ready to take the first step or you’d simply like to learn more about how we can help, inquire about therapy for veterans today.
Contact Us
for more information, a free phone consultation, or to schedule a therapy retreat.