Observations of Veterans Day should acknowledge the sacrifices it takes to serve our country, including the invisible wounds many service members carry long after their military careers end. Post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the most debilitating challenges veterans face, often accompanied by related issues like depression, anxiety, and prolonged grief. These overlapping conditions can make daily life overwhelming – but healing is possible.
Why Veterans Are More Vulnerable to PTSD
Military service exposes people to intense, often life-threatening experiences. Combat, loss of comrades, moral injury, and the pressure to perform under constant threat can leave long-lasting emotional imprints. Even after returning home, you may struggle with hypervigilance, flashbacks, guilt, or detachment that can disrupt your relationships, career goals, and well-being.
In addition to PTSD, veterans are at higher risk for:
- Depression and anxiety resulting from unresolved trauma and adjustment difficulties
- Complex grief following the loss of fellow service members or a sense of purpose after leaving the military
- Substance use disorders among those who self-medicate distressing emotions with drugs or alcohol
Despite the prevalence of these issues, stigma within military culture prevents veterans from seeking help. Many are afraid to show vulnerability because they believe they should be able to push through pain on their own. Unfortunately, this misconception only delays treatment and will ultimately allow your symptoms to worsen.
The Importance of Integrated Treatment
Foundation Stone Wellness takes an integrated approach to mental health care for veterans. Instead of addressing each component of your well-being separately, this approach combines medical, psychological, and spiritual modalities to promote comprehensive healing.
- Evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
- Functional medicine assessments to evaluate your nutritional and hormonal balance
- Mindfulness and meditation to calm your nervous system and enhance emotional regulation
- Holistic wellness practices, including yoga, sound therapy, and nature-based healing
- Grief and trauma counseling to help you process loss and rediscover your purpose
Care for Yourself on Veterans Day
Recovering from trauma and other mental health challenges requires safety, time, and support – three elements often missing in traditional treatment environments.
Foundation Stone Wellness is a serene retreat where you can step away from your daily pressures and focus entirely on recovery. Surrounded by nature and guided by a multidisciplinary care team, you’ll learn to reconnect with your emotions, build resilience, and reclaim inner peace.
If you are a veteran struggling with PTSD or related mental health challenges, we honor your service by providing the compassionate, integrated care you deserve. Reach out to us to learn how our holistic programs can help you heal from trauma and reclaim a fulfilling life.