PTSD is a mental health condition resulting from exposure to a traumatic event. While anyone can develop PTSD at any time, it has long been most commonly associated with military veterans. Due to the nature of their work and experiences, military members are at higher risk for developing PTSD. What many people overlook is the fact that PTSD does not only occur after service. Active duty military can also develop PTSD. Left undiagnosed or untreated, this can have dire consequences for the individual and their unit.
Harmony Hills recognizes the importance of trauma treatment for military members. We created our Heroes Program to meet the unique needs of veterans and active-duty military members. Through this program, military members can receive effective treatment for PTSD and co-occurring disorders in a structured setting that honors their privacy and dignity. Contact our team at 855.494.0357 to see if trauma treatment is right for you.
The Need for PTSD Therapy for Military Members
Many military members develop PTSD while on active duty without realizing it. Common causes of PTSD among active duty military can include:
- Combat exposure
- Sexual assault
- Being the victim of or witnessing physical assaults
- Becoming injured
- Racial or sexual discrimination
- Significant injury or death of others in service
- Not being home for significant life events (childbirth, death of a family member)
- Multiple deployments
Part of military training is learning to endure extreme physical and mental challenges. Therefore, the stigma attached to mental health issues is much more significant within the military, creating a considerable barrier to treatment. Service members are reluctant to seek help for fear of being viewed as weak or receiving a dishonorable discharge.
While many service members believe that being diagnosed with a mental health issue like PTSD can end their careers, the fact is that in most cases, seeking help can actually protect them. Active duty military members who get treatment rather than letting their symptoms impact their performance can avoid disciplinary action.
How Can a Diagnosis of PTSD in Active Duty Help?
Military members who experience trauma during active duty can struggle to understand their symptoms and how they impact the performance of their duties. This puts not only themselves but the other members of their unit at risk. If you are an active duty service member who thinks you are experiencing PTSD, it is critical to seek treatment.
The benefits of receiving an active-duty diagnosis of PTSD and co-occurring disorders can include the following:
- Avoiding dishonorable discharge – PTSD can cause changes to your personality that lead to conduct issues or poor performance that can result in a dishonorable discharge. If this happens, you are ineligible for VA benefits upon your return to civilian life.
- Proof that PTSD is service-related – receiving an in-service PTSD diagnosis helps validate that your condition is service-related, thus establishing an effective date for the onset of PTSD.
- Protection from being refused VA healthcare – An active-duty diagnosis helps you retain benefits and protects you from being denied VA benefits following service. Your PTSD diagnosis supports the notion that PTSD caused inappropriate behaviors, which were not intentional.
- Reducing the risk of substance use disorders (SUD) – A majority of individuals with PTSD develop SUD because of reliance on drugs or alcohol to manage symptoms. Early diagnosis can help prevent SUD.
Luckily, the stigma of PTSD within the military has been decreasing, and more active-duty military members realize they can get and deserve PTSD treatment.
Contact Harmony Hills for a Military PTSD Treatment Program
At Harmony Hills, we know that the American Psychological Association (APA) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) strongly recommend particular PTSD treatments that we provide, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
- Prolonged exposure therapy (PE)
- Trauma-informed therapy
We know that PTSD impacts all aspects of life, so we also provide the following:
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Experiential therapy
- Recreational therapy
- Nutritional therapy
- Mindfulness meditation therapy
- Yoga and relaxation techniques
PTSD is a natural response to trauma. It does not indicate any personal weakness. As a military member, you are at significantly higher risk for developing PTSD, but it does not have to have long-term impacts on your life or career if you seek treatment. Contact us at 855.494.0357 or fill out our online form to learn more about PTSD treatment.
