Many veterans are exposed to the sort of traumatic scenes and circumstances that can leave an indelible scar on their mental health. It can often be extremely challenging to process these images and thoughts in a controlled manner.
The options in terms of mental health treatment for veterans are extensive. That means there is a potential route to a better state of mental health and control with the right help and guidance.
Here are some of the suitable therapies to consider.
A treatment option for depression
Behavioral action therapy is considered to be an easily accessible and affordable treatment option for veterans. The therapy is focused on showing people who are suffering from depression can better interact with their environment.
ACT also helps you to contend with depression
A common symptom amongst veterans is the onset of depression. Another effective treatment option to consider would be Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
It is designed to demonstrate to you how you can better manage negative emotions.
CBT helps address your behaviors
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has grown in popularity as a treatment option. This is because it is very good at uncovering specific triggers that are then leading to problems such as substance abuse.
Learning to train your mind with CBT techniques can really make a difference. For this reason, visiting the Bay Area CBT Center, which has a team of San Francisco-based mental health professionals on hand to assist you, or indeed an establishment of the same caliber in your local area can be highly beneficial as they can navigate you through the intricacies of CBT.
A way to process your thoughts
Another useful technique that might be suggested as a treatment option is Cognitive Processing Therapy.
This encourages veterans to open up about their thoughts and feelings in a way that can give them closure once they come to terms with what they have experienced.
A method that incentivizes the avoidance of substance use
Known as Contingency Management, this treatment option works on providing suitable incentives to help keep the patient away from substance use. When you consider how many veterans experience substance abuse disorders, this is a worthy consideration when looking at suitable treatment programs.
EMDR can combat the impact of PTSD
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) has been shown to have a positive impact in combating the symptoms of PTSD.
EMDR involves using a process that gradually decreases the negative emotions associated with certain memories. EMDR can be used to reframe thoughts and alleviate the symptoms of PTSD.
A method to correct self-harming behaviors
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is designed to make crucial changes to a patient’s mental health over a period of time. It encourages more positive behaviors and can reduce the prospect of self-harming.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) addresses stimuli challenges
Many veterans find it difficult to cope with noisy or crowded environments. It creates a heightened sense of anxiety and a negative response to these stimuli.
PE helps address these concerns and delivers a way to cope.
Addressing the motivation behind challenging behaviors
Veterans with mental health challenges can often demonstrate challenging and dangerous behaviors as a response to their emotional turmoil. Motivational therapy is designed to identify the underlying negative emotions and deliver a coping strategy that reduces the prospect of damaging behavior.
Relational therapy can be important for support and long-term recovery
Everyone needs a support network to help cope with mental health challenges. Family and relational therapy is designed to show how to reach out and accept the support of loved ones in your life.
All of the therapies highlighted serve a specific and useful purpose. Getting the right professionals will help every veteran to benefit from a treatment program that delivers the targeted help they need.