Serving in the military is a great honor that brings challenges and experiences that most people will never see or fully understand. It is well-recognized that PTSD is common among active-duty military and veterans. However, our service men and women face other mental health issues, including depression, substance use disorders, and anxiety. Several anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, panic disorder, and specific phobias, can impact current service members and veterans.
At Harmony Hills, we know that many service members have difficulty making the change from military to civilian life. The challenges they face are referred to as transition stress. Combined with the chronic stress of active duty, transition stress can cause veterans and service members to develop anxiety disorders. When left untreated, anxiety disorders can worsen over time. Help is available through our Heroes Program. Call 855.494.0357 to learn more.
How Common is Anxiety in Veterans?
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders among veterans. According to a study by the Department of Veterans Affairs, 41.3% of veterans seeking treatment at VA facilities were diagnosed with anxiety disorders. This is significantly higher than the general population, where only 18% are affected by anxiety.
The prevalence of anxiety in veterans can be attributed to their unique experiences in the military. Deployment to combat zones, exposure to traumatic events, and the stress of active duty can all contribute to developing anxiety disorders. Additionally, veterans may struggle with adjusting to civilian life, which can also be a factor in developing anxiety.
Signs You Can Benefit from an Anxiety Treatment Program for Veterans
Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness in Americans, impacting approximately 18% of the population. Experiencing anxiety is a natural and normal reaction to a stressful event or situation. However, when anxiety does not go away, or its symptoms start interfering with daily functioning, it is time for help.
Military life is highly structured and disciplined and provides service people with a clear sense of purpose and identity. Upon returning home, many veterans struggle with:
- The lack of structure and routine
- Connecting with friends and family
- Finding employment
- Adjusting to family lifestyle and routines
- Determining how their military skills and duties translate into civilian life
While veterans are usually excited and thankful to return home, they can struggle to relate to others who have not shared their experiences. Many do not seek help for trauma because of the stigma of being viewed as weak. The chronic stress of these challenges can result in the development of anxiety disorders.
Anxiety disorders have physical and emotional symptoms. Signs that you can benefit from an anxiety treatment program for veterans include but are not limited to:
- Excessive worry, fear, panic, or uneasiness
- Restlessness, jumpiness, or feeling “on edge.”
- Shaking, trembling, or twitching
- Avoidance of particular people, places, or things
- Shortness of breath and heart palpitations
- Headaches, nausea, and dizziness
- Sleep disturbances
- Persistent anger or irritability
If you recognize these signs in yourself or a loved one, getting help sooner than later is best to break unhealthy patterns and prevent worsening symptoms.
What to Expect from an Anxiety Treatment Center for Veterans
Residential treatment for mental health disorders provides a safe, therapeutic environment with access to 24-hour care. Additionally, an anxiety treatment center for veterans offers a set schedule and routine. Though less rigid than military structure, it helps many with the transition. Residential anxiety treatment for veterans allows them to be removed from everyday life to focus on healing and recovery without the triggers and stressors contributing to their anxiety.
In addition to being able to be fully immersed in treatment, an anxiety treatment center for veterans provides:
- A stable, secure, and supportive living environment
- Peer support
- Individual, family, and group therapy
- High-quality nutrition
- Access to physical fitness
- Life skills and communication skills training
- Support for rebuilding relationships
Harmony Hills designed our Heroes Program to meet veterans’ and active-duty military personnel’s unique and specific needs. We help veterans with anxiety by providing a community of peers who can relate to one another’s experiences and challenges on a meaningful level in a supportive environment free of judgment. We are committed to helping families receive education about the mental health challenges of veterans and military personnel to understand the impacts on all involved.
Benefits of Anxiety Treatment for Veterans
Once a veteran begins treatment for anxiety, numerous positive changes can result. The following are some crucial benefits experienced by participants in our Heroes Program:
- Improved emotional regulation – Veterans gain skills to manage intense emotions and reduce feelings of anxiety, leading to greater emotional stability and better responses to stressful situations.
- Enhanced quality of life – Through treatment, veterans learn to cope with triggers and reduce anxiety symptoms, allowing for a more engaged, productive, and fulfilling life.
- Increased understanding and acceptance – Therapy helps veterans understand their experiences and challenges, fostering self-compassion and acceptance, crucial for healing and growth.
- Reconnection with society – Veterans receive support in navigating the civilian world, rebuilding relationships, and finding a renewed sense of purpose post-service.
Our experienced professionals are dedicated to providing personalized care that considers each veteran’s unique experiences and individual journey toward recovery.
Discover Anxiety Treatment for Veterans at Harmony Hills
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 them receive the treatment they deserve. We provide evidence-based, holistic anxiety treatment and dual diagnosis treatment where clients receive the insight, skills, and tools needed to live a happy, healthy, fulfilling life outside of service.
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.
