People all over the nation are constantly faced with traumatic events, accidents, and other instances that could negatively impact their mental health. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, about 26% of adults suffer from a significant mental breakdown in a given year. As a common occurrence, it has become essential that people understand the signs of a mental breakdown, what it is, and ways to support an individual who is having one. What is a mental breakdown? A mental breakdown is… Continue Reading
Causes & Symptoms of Psychological Trauma
Accidents, illness, and the death of a loved one are only a few of the causes that could lead to psychological trauma. As people face heartbreak or highly stressful situations, they feel major emotions that could lead to significant mental health conditions. If you feel that you or a loved one recently faced a psychological trauma, it is important to understand what it means, the symptoms of trauma, and how to help someone who is struggling. What is psychological trauma?… Continue Reading
Ways to Help Someone with PTSD
While military combat is commonly associated with PTSD, people from all walks of life deal with the heavy emotions and other effects it may have on them. Now, post-traumatic stress affects an average of 7% to 8% of the U.S. population during their lifetime. Back during World War II in the early 1940s, post-traumatic stress disorder wasn’t a diagnosable condition. Instead, it was known by names like shell shock, battle shock, combat fatigue, war neurosis, and psychiatric collapse. In many… Continue Reading
Dealing With Men’s Mental Health: Diagnosis & Treatment
The month of June is Men’s Mental Health Month, and it is an important time to reflect on an all-too-often neglected topic. Mental health issues affect both men and women, yet men are often hesitant to discuss their mental health struggles and seek treatment. Due to the stigma associated with male mental health, many men forgo needed treatment and support. In this article, we hope to contribute to Men’s Mental Health Month, our goal is to normalize conversations regarding topics… Continue Reading
PTSD Symptoms and Treatment for Veterans
It is not unusual to feel rattled after a trauma like an accident or a major conflict. Generally, people are able to move forward; but, what if you’re physically unable to return to normal life? Or what if your loved one isn’t himself or herself after serving in the military? While things may seem as if they will not get better, there is hope, but you need to contact a quality healthcare facility like San Antonio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital. You… Continue Reading
Understanding Military Sexual Trauma (MST) – a Victim’s Guide
MST might be a term many civilians are unaware of today but one that veterans are all too familiar with. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until recently that the Veterans Affairs (VA) started to recognize MST and how it causes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – let alone offer treatment. Military sexual trauma is serious, and it affects enlisted soldiers as well as those who have retired. Furthermore, it is one that is underreported, under-treated, and can permanently alter a victim’s life. If… Continue Reading
The Increased Risk of Alcohol and Drug Abuse among Military Vets
It’s a bit of a Catch 22: being able to “hold your liquor” is the sign of a tough man, but turning to alcohol time and again to drown the pain of battle memories turns you into a shadow of a man. For male and female military personnel and veterans, there is an increased risk of alcohol and drug abuse for multiple reasons, including military culture and stress-related mental health issues such as PTSD. Male vets have always been far… Continue Reading
Depression in the Military
While suffering from depression is not a unique experience for people in any particular career, military personnel and their families are more susceptible to both depression and other issues such as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and anxiety. The 2010 Medical Surveillance Report from the US Department of Defense reported that over 27% of military personnel who have lived in combat situations report having depression, and that doesn’t count the number of spouses and children of military personnel who also suffer from depression…. Continue Reading
6 Ways to Cope With Military Spouse Suffering
One stays behind and the other enters a combat zone. For civilian spouses, the stress and anxiety of watching their military husband or wife or significant other suffer from depression, PTSD, and substance abuse brought on by the horrors of battle or the demands of military life can be overwhelming. You may be asking yourself how you can be supportive and what your role is within the relationship and your family. As the spouse, you could also be watching your… Continue Reading