Veterans face unique trauma that can lead to many mental health challenges later in life. Experiences deeply rooted in pain and stress leave deep psychological scars that are not so easily forgotten. Treatment for PTSD in Veterans is one of the most important parts of helping our valued and appreciated service people. Addressing Veteran trauma requires a unique and multifaceted approach that touches on all aspects of their unique situation.
Symptoms of Trauma in Veterans
Veterans experience many types of trauma that have lasting effects. These traumas could be combat-related, loss or injury, military sexual trauma, and more. Sometimes Veterans have multiple aspects of trauma. PTSD is the most common result of this trauma which interferes with mental health, interpersonal relationships, employment, and other functions of daily life. Common PTSD symptoms found in Veterans include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, avoidance, emotional numbness, angry outbursts, isolationism, substance abuse, and self-destructive behaviors, to name a few. Understanding where these symptoms stem from can help guide a mental health professional in establishing a personalized mental health treatment plan to address the individual’s specific needs. At Lighthouse Healing Center, we follow all VA PTSD treatment guidelines to ensure that the unique needs of our service people are met comprehensively.
Specialized Therapies for Veterans with PTSD
At mental health facilities across America, including Lighthouse Healing Center in Mississippi, a wide range of approaches are used to treat the trauma associated with being in the Service. Most often, an individualized treatment plan is developed which utilizes a number of therapeutic approaches.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT is a therapy where Veterans are challenged to identify and change negative thought patterns and the resulting behaviors.
- EMDR: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is a method commonly used with PTSD which helps the individual process traumatic memories through guided eye movements. Processing the memories with EMDR reduces the emotional connection to the events and enables a balanced, less emotionally charged perspective. EMDR often makes very difficult memories easier to live with on a daily basis.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: ACT helps individuals focus on thoughts and feelings without judgment. By accepting self and detaching from judgment, Veterans can build psychological flexibility and cope with trauma-related stress.
- Therapy: Individual and group therapy along with support groups can also help reduce trauma and PTSD in Veterans. Individual therapy is one of the most effective ways for Veterans to recover from PTSD. Using the approaches mentioned above can help work through the most difficult memories and encourage the development of healthy coping strategies. Group therapy and support groups can help create a safe environment where Veterans can share experiences and work through trauma together. Mutual support networks, validation, and sharing coping methods can help Veterans overcome PTSD in a collective setting. Group activities for Veterans with PTSD can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.
VA PTSD Programs Near Me
Lighthouse Healing Center specializes in treating trauma. That trauma may have stemmed from childhood, a difficult relationship, a traumatic experience, or war. All our mental health professionals are deeply experienced in treating various types of trauma, including Veteran mental health treatment. We are committed to creating a customized healthcare plan that addresses all the aspects of an individual’s specific needs, with the guidance and support of licensed mental health professionals. Lighthouse Healing Center often utilizes a holistic treatment approach, touching on the needs of the mind, body, and soul. Our Veteran treatment plans incorporate body aspects such as yoga and exercise, mind aspects, such as therapy and group work, as well as soul aspects, including meditation, connections to nature, art, and much more. If you are a Veteran in Mississippi struggling with PTSD and/or trauma, contact us today. As one of the organizations that help veterans with PTSD in Mississippi, Lighthouse is here for you. Our compassionate therapists and trauma treatment specialists are waiting to partner with you on your journey to healing.
