A military career can be one of the most honorable and rewarding paths to take.
It can also be the most difficult. Difficult physically, but also mentally and emotionally.
Mental health concerns for veterans are unique, as the events and trauma that is witnessed and experienced during their time in active duty can lead to detrimental effects in the long term, making it difficult to carry on with life. The most common mental health concerns for veterans are Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Keep reading to learn more about these mental health concerns and how Zumbro Valley Health Center can help.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a physiological response to a traumatic experience that causes an imbalance in the nervous system. People with PTSD often suffer from nightmares, flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, and feeling emotionally numb. PTSD is not a reflection of the mental strength or willpower of the trauma survivor. Understanding what PTSD is and how it occurs can help survivors and their loved ones accept a diagnosis and move forward with treatment.
Depression
Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. It can result from chemical changes in the brain itself and is commonly a symptom of PTSD or TBI. People with depression often suffer from feelings of sadness, loss of interest, changes in appetite or sleeping patterns, loss of energy, and thoughts of suicide. Depression does not represent moral failure, is not something to be ashamed of. Most importantly, it is highly treatable.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury is defined as a disruption in the normal function of the brain that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or penetrating head injury. Military service members and veterans are at high risk of TBI from explosions experienced during combat and training exercises. Depending on the severity of the injury, common symptoms of TBI include but are not limited to confusion, blurry vision, amnesia, fatigue, slurred speech, and fainting. These symptoms can often lead to long-term mental and physical health problems that can hinder employment, relationships, and daily life of veterans – making treatment all the more crucial.
At Zumbro Valley Health Center, we have several outpatient offerings to provide ongoing services for members of our Armed Forces, veterans, and their loved ones. Through stress management, trigger recognition, and goal planning, our trained team of therapists work to equip clients with the tools necessary to live a full and meaningful life. If you or a loved one is in need of our Veteran Services, please visit us or call 507.289.2089. Our team is here to help.