Veteran Mental Health Challenges: How to Support a Loved One

Mental health problems can affect anyone, especially anxiety and depression. However, veterans are especially susceptible to mental health issues like PTSD or depression, especially after facing combat overseas.

If you love a veteran, it's hard to watch them struggle through mental health issues – but it's crucial to be supportive as they navigate through them. At Pacific Phoenix Psychiatry & TMS, our team specializes in psychiatry for veterans.

Dr. Elia R. Gonzalez-Rodriguez is a psychiatrist who offers treatments like transcranial magnetic stimulation and IM ketamine therapy for veteran mental health problems.

The facts on veteran mental health issues

Veterans see unthinkable horrors that most of us can't fathom. So it's no wonder many of them come home with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Because of their tough exterior, many veterans suffer in silence, even in their own homes.

Unfortunately, it's challenging to deal with these emotions alone, which often leads to withdrawal from family and friends and sometimes, suicide. Symptoms that they may be trying to manage include:

• Trouble sleeping
• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Withdrawal from things you love
• Unexplained guilt or shame
• Extreme anger or rage
• Difficulty getting out of bed
• Engaging in risky behaviors
• Thoughts of suicide

Knowing how to support your loved one when they're living with PTSD or other mental health problems is essential to their health and well-being.

Tips to support your loved one

Supporting a loved one who has experienced unthinkable acts is challenging, especially when you can't relate; however, it's vital for their well-being. Providing love and support as they navigate life after the military is crucial for them to heal.

We offer the following tips to help you stay by your loved one as they go through the challenges of mental health issues:

Actively listen

Active listening is a great way to support your loved one. Sit and allow them to talk about whatever they need, and avoid saying things like "I know how you feel." Avoid interrupting to enable them to get out their feelings.

Encourage self-care

It's tough to get out of bed when you don't feel like yourself. Although it's frustrating to watch your loved one lie in bed all day, supporting them is the best way to help them with self-care. Encourage your loved one to take a bath to relax or get a haircut to get moving.

Be patient

Patience is critical when it comes to supporting a veteran. They have a lot of memories and thoughts to process, so avoid being short with them if they're struggling. The transition into civilian life after the military is tricky, and patience is vital.

Offer practical advice

Sometimes you may want to step in and help, but it's crucial to give them practical advice they can use to get the help they need. Consider reaching out to our team for assistance or exploring online support groups where you can connect with others who share similar experiences.

What treatments can help veterans?

At our practice, we offer various treatments to help with veterans' mental health problems. Dr. Gonzalez-Rodriguez provides psychotherapy, medication-assisted treatment, and TMS for different mental health issues.

She evaluates your loved one's symptoms and health to determine the best treatment. PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, depression, and anxiety are all issues for which we offer treatment.

Medications and psychotherapy are often beneficial for veterans dealing with mental health problems. However, if they aren't enough, we also provide Spravato™ and IM ketamine, along with TMS therapy for long-term relief.

Contact our team today to schedule an appointment for your loved one to receive our veteran services or request a consultation online. Our team offers services to those in the greater Portland area, including Salmon Creek, East Vancouver, and Steilacoom-Lakewood, Washington.