While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can happen to anyone following trauma, it is most prevalent among our military service members, both active duty and veterans. Because of the nature of their service, members of the military face an exceptional risk of experiencing trauma and potentially developing PTSD. Trauma impacts everyone differently; unfortunately, there is no way to determine who will develop PTSD or when. Where one person might experience symptoms of PTSD right away, another may not experience it until years later, and another not at all, even when they’ve experienced a shared trauma.
Harmony Hills created our Heroes Program to address the specific and unique mental health needs of those who have served or are currently serving in our nation’s military. We provide a safe, supportive environment where servicemen and women can access effective treatment for PTSD and co-occurring disorders that honor their privacy and dignity. Contact us at 855.494.0357 to discover the benefits of PTSD treatment for yourself and your family.
The Importance of Veteran PTSD Treatment
Before being recognized as an official diagnosis in 1980, PTSD among veterans was referred to as “shell shock,” “war neurosis,” and “combat fatigue.” While there is no research about PTSD before the 1980s, there is strong anecdotal evidence to support the notion that PTSD occurred among veterans of the Civil War, WWI, and WWII.
Understanding the importance of veteran PTSD treatment and treatment for active duty service members requires understanding the risks of PTSD within these populations. Consider these facts, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA):
- 83% of U.S. veterans and active duty service members have PTSD as a result of military service after 9/11
- Approximately 30% of Vietnam veterans have experienced PTSD at some point
- PTSD is prevalent in nearly 12% of Gulf War veterans
- Between 11-20% of veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom experience PTSD
- Only 17% of combat personnel are women, but 71% of female service members develop PTSD due to sexual harassment and assault
- Since 9/11, suicide has been responsible for four times as many deaths as active combat among veterans and active-duty military personnel
- Only 30-40% of veterans or active-duty service members receive treatment
Lack of access to treatment, the cost of treatment, personal shame, and social stigma are common barriers to treatment for veterans and active-duty service men and women. Military training heavily reinforces the belief that military personnel must be brave, strong, and fearless in facing challenges, leaving many unequipped to cope with the effects of PTSD.
Treatment for Veterans with PTSD
Because of the barriers to treatment mentioned above, many veterans needlessly have PTSD without recognizing it or avoid seeking treatment for fear of being perceived as weak. Consequently, the actual statistics regarding the prevalence of PTSD among veterans and active-duty military may be significantly underreported.
Life in the military presents unique challenges for service members and their families. Deployment requires significant adjustments for all, as does their return home. Many service members struggle to cope with the trauma of active duty and feel disconnected from family and friends who cannot grasp the full scope of their experiences. Treatment for veterans with PTSD is designed to address these unique challenges.
In addition to PTSD, the Heroes Program at Harmony Hills addresses numerous conditions common to veterans and active-duty military personnel, including:
- Substance use disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Self-harm/self-injurious treatment
- Co-occurring disorders
- Bipolar disorder
Residential treatment provides a safe, supportive environment with access to around-the-clock care. In the Heroes Program, you have access to a community of peers who can relate to your experiences on a meaningful level. Family members can also receive education about PTSD to support their loved ones in treatment and the support they need to manage how PTSD impacts them.
Contact Harmony Hills for Veteran PTSD Treatment
In the Heroes Program at Harmony Hills, we recognize the unique treatment needs of our nation’s veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. We are committed to helping these individuals receive the treatment they deserve. Contact our team at 855.494.0357 to learn about the many benefits of our Heroes Program for yourself, your loved one, and your family.
