U.S. veterans face mental health disorders at a disproportionate rate to the rest of the population. This is largely due to trauma they faced during war or deployment, but can be a result of other factors, too.
Veterans need and deserve access to high-quality mental health services that are accommodating to their unique needs and challenges.
Read on to learn more about the mental health services for veterans offered at Otter House Wellness in North Carolina.
About Mental Health in Veterans
It is an unfortunate fact that veterans tend to face mental health problems at higher rates than civilians and the general public.
This is due to a number of reasons, including exposure to war and trauma, difficulties when transitioning out of the military, and stigmas around men and mental health.
To combat these issues, facilities like Otter House Wellness are dedicated to helping veterans recover and manage their mental health through a variety of veteran-focused treatment options.
Common Mental Health Disorders in Veterans
Several types of mental health disorders are common among veterans and active duty service members.
Mental health disorders that are common in veterans include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): a type of extreme stress that is related to experiencing severe trauma.
- Major depressive disorder: a mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness and hopelessness.
- Anxiety disorders: a group of disorders that can be characterized by panic attacks, excessive worry, and more.
- Substance use disorders: all types of substance abuse, and particularly alcohol abuse, is common among veterans.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): a type of head injury that can cause other mental health issues to arise.
How Many Veterans Face Mental Health Issues?
Current research indicates that roughly 1 in 4 veterans lives with mental illness in some form. This is slightly higher than the general population, which has a rate of about 1 in 5.
In addition, veterans are 1.5 more likely to die by suicide than someone in the general population. To that end, suicide prevention and education is one of the VA’s highest priorities.
Signs Veterans May Need Mental Health Care
It is not always easy to tell when a veteran is in need of mental health care, but it is always a good idea to keep a close eye on any family member or loved one you are concerned about.
Keep in mind that the signs of mental health issues may vary depending on the specific mental health concern that they have.
Signs that veterans may need mental health care include:
- Increasing anger or irritability
- Difficulty falling asleep or frequent nightmares
- Increased reliance on alcohol or drugs to cope
- Withdrawal from family members and other loved ones
- Increased thoughts of suicide or talking about suicide or self-harm
Causes & Risk Factors for Mental Health Issues in Veterans
There is no single or direct cause for mental health issues in veterans, as vets are often exposed to a variety of trauma throughout their time in service.
A culmination of several factors tend to result in a veteran experiencing mental health issues.
Risk factors for mental health issues in veterans include:
- Combat exposure and trauma
- Transition to civilian life from military service
- Military sexual trauma (MST)
- Chronic pain
- Lack of support
- Stigma surrounding mental health
Side Effects of Mental Health Disorders in Veterans
The exact side effects for mental health disorders experienced by veterans will depend on the specific disorder. Some veterans may experience fewer symptoms or be better at hiding their symptoms from others.
Family members and caregivers of veterans should be aware of these signs in case they need to seek help.
Side effects of mental health disorders in veterans include:
- Excessive worry
- Restlessness
- Avoidance of social situations or public places
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Rapid heartbeat
Complications of Untreated Veterans Mental Health Issues
Getting veterans treatment for their mental health issues is crucial.Those who don’t get the mental health care they need can face complications.
The longer that mental health issues are left untreated, the more serious the potential consequences may be.
Complications of untreated mental health issues in veterans include:
- Increased risk of suicide
- Increased risk of substance use disorders
- Increased risk of domestic violence
- Increased risk of unemployment and homelessness
- Worsening anxiety
- Development of sleep disorders
- Poor overall health
Barriers Veterans Face in Getting Mental Health Care
In addition to facing mental health issues at a higher rate, veterans also face significant barriers when it comes to seeking treatment.
Barriers veterans face in getting mental health care include:
- Stigma and judgement: Veterans may feel that they are judged for seeking help or that it may be seen as a sign of weakness.
- Financial challenges: Veterans may not realize the financial options they have for treatment and believe that it is unaffordable.
- Limited access in rural areas: Veterans who live in secluded areas may not have access to the same amount of care as those who live in cities.
- Lack of transportation: Veterans who live in rural areas or who are disabled may also lack the transportation or ability to get to in-person appointments, and lack awareness of telehealth options available to them.
- Lack of access to quality care: Veterans may be more limited in the high-quality care available to them and may not be aware of resources available to help find better care.
Otter House Wellness works to address many of these barriers. We do this by offering veteran-focused care and treatment options that help meet veterans and military personnel where they are.
Veteran-Focused Mental Health Treatment at Otter House
Otter House Wellness offers multiple levels of care to service veterans with both mild and severe conditions.
Partial Hospitalization Programs for Veterans
Otter House Wellness offers partial hospitalizations programs (PHPs) that provide a high level of structure and supervision.
These programs typically meet up to five days a week for several hours at a time, but allow veterans to spend their evenings and weekends at home with family.
Intensive Outpatient Programs for Veterans
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) are also offered at Otter House Wellness, acting as great step-down programs after someone has completed more intensive treatment.
These programs usually meet a few days a week for several hours, including multiple types of therapy and workshops.
Outpatient Services for Veterans
Outpatient services provide a high level of convenience and flexibility for veterans, allowing them to maintain their responsibilities outside of treatment.
This type of program may be best for veterans with more mild conditions or for those who have already completed a more intensive program and are seeking aftercare.
Therapy & Other Veteran Mental Health Services
Veterans can also access behavioral health therapy and other mental health services, including medication management and more.
Therapies available include individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Many times, these therapies are a form of aftercare or follow-up after a veteran has completed an inpatient or outpatient program.
Mental Health Resources for Veterans
There are a number of mental health resources available that are specific to veterans, and which understand and address their unique challenges.
Mental health resources for veterans include:
- VA Access to Care: an online directory provided through the VA that allows you to search for vet centers and health care providers, including mental health providers, that have affiliations with the VA.
- Veterans Crisis Line: a 24/7 confidential hotline for veterans and their family members that focuses on suicide prevention. It helps veterans in times of a mental health challenge or mental health crisis. Many of the responders who answer calls for this helpline are veterans themselves.
- Veterans Health Administration: this system of clinics and medical centers provides health care services to veterans around the United States.
Cost of Mental Health Treatment for Veterans
It is usually possible for veterans to find free or low-cost mental health treatment through a variety of methods.
To start, they can choose programs that accept their insurance, either private insurance or military insurance like TRICARE. Coverage will vary but often includes a significant portion of costs.
Veterans can also usually access free or low-cost mental health care through facilities that are partnered with the VA. In addition to low-cost care, veterans can use their VA benefits and VA health care at these facilities as well, though this may depend on eligibility.
Otter House Wellness offers veteran-specific mental health treatment and accepts Tricare and CHAMPVA. Reach out to us for a free insurance verification.
Get Veteran-Friendly Mental Health Treatment at Otter House Wellness
Military veterans and service members deserve nothing but the best when it comes to treatment for mental health.
For those in and around the North Carolina area, multiple levels of high-quality care are available at Otter House Wellness in Asheville.
Contact us today to learn more about how we help veterans to address their mental well-being and get back to a healthy state of mind.
