What are the 3 Most Commonly Diagnosed Mental Health Conditions Among Veterans?
Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have always taken care of their physical health.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important.
The mental health concerns of veterans are unique—you may have experienced things during your time in the service which can affect your long-term mental health.
The three most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions among veterans are post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition which can develop after you experience or witnesses a very stressful or traumatic event.
Experiences like military combat, disasters, assault and sexual assault can result in PTSD. With PTSD, your thoughts or emotions are disrupted by recurring intrusive thoughts and recollections of the event to the degree it negatively impacts your everyday life.
Symptoms of PTSD can include:
- Reliving the event – Veterans with PTSD may have recurring nightmares or flashbacks of traumatic events. Sometimes images, sounds or even smells can trigger a flashback or cause emotional distress.
- Avoiding situations that remind you of the event – Avoiding large crowds or places that remind you of a traumatic event is common.
- Negative changes in beliefs or feelings – Relationships may become difficult after a traumatic event since PTSD can cause you to feel negative feelings towards others and relationships in general.
- Hyperarousal – When we are stressed, a hyper-arousal triggers our fight-or-flight instinct. In most cases, when the event is over, we are able to calm down and the fight-or-flight response subsides. However, someone suffering PTSD symptoms may find themselves in a state of hyperarousal, in which the fight-or-flight response does not subside and instead causes them to feel jittery, unable to sleep, easily startled or unsafe in everyday, nonthreatening situations.
Does this sound like you or someone you love? Please know you are not alone. We are here to help. Call and speak with someone right now. (855) 222-4756.
Depression
Depression is a common and serious medical illness.
More than sadness in response to life’s hurts and heartaches, depression abides and can disrupt your life, affecting your sleep, appetite and your desire to interact with others.
Left untreated, depression can become a very serious health condition, unrelenting and debilitating.
Depression commonly occurs after traumatic experiences.
For some, depression and PTSD can be co-occurring mental health disorders. Sufferers of PTSD are 3 to 5 times more likely to experience depression compared to those without symptoms of PTSD.
Symptoms of depression can include:
- Feeling sad or down more often than not for longer than 2 weeks
- Lack of interest in things you once enjoyed
- Changes in sleeping and eating habits
- Difficulty focusing
- Feeling hopeless
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Does this sound like you or someone you love?
Please know you are not alone. We are here to help. Call and speak with someone right now. (855) 222-4756.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI, is a common deployment-related injury. TBI occurs when the brain is hit with an outside force. This force can be shock from an explosion or injuries from assault.
TBI causes brain function to be temporarily impaired or altered and while it is a serious injury, it doesn’t have any outward physical signs, earning it the title of invisible wound.
Cognitive symptoms of TBI include:
- Changes in memory
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulty with planning and judgment
- Poor impulse control
Emotional symptoms of TBI include:
- Irritability and anger
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- PTSD
Physical symptoms of TBI include:
- Headaches
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Seizures
- Weakness in the limbs
- Lack of coordination or balance
- Sensitivity to light or touch
Does this sound like you or someone you love? Please know you are not alone. We are here to help. Call and speak with someone right now. (855) 222-4756.
Good News
With proper diagnosis and treatment, these three commonly diagnosed mental health conditions among veterans don’t have the last word—you can lead a normal, whole, healthy and happy life.
Talking with a mental health professional experienced in diagnosing and treating these conditions is the first step.
At Honey Lake Clinic, our experienced staff, licensed therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists understand that effective mental health treatment requires a multifaceted, faith-based approach, involving healing of the body, mind, and spirit.
Our unique treatment programs and therapeutic modalities specifically and deeply address all three spheres, offering you your greatest chance for wholeness and transformative growth.
This holistic approach and a combination of key factors makes Honey Lake Clinic’s mental health program different from the others in the country. You’ll benefit from Honey Lake’s—
- Integration of a Bible-based approach and sound psychological principles
- Experienced, compassionate, and highly trained clinical staff
- Individualized treatment with a low caseload of patients per therapist
- Practical curriculum focused on decision-making mechanics and skills
- Emphasis on holistic healing of the mind, body, and spirit
Don’t let your struggles define you. Let Honey Lake Clinic help you regain control of your life and discover lasting transformation. Renewal can start today.
