Veterans struggling with mental illness and addiction require professional support. Support groups that emphasize community are necessary to achieve lasting recovery. Veterans are in the position to overcome these battles as they relate to traumas occurring during military service.
Overcoming mental illness and addiction requires a comprehensive treatment approach emphasizing social support and community. While nost suggestions are often made for young adults battling mental health and addiction, they are just as relevant for veterans. Disconnection is a common experience of veterans during their adjustment period of returning to civilian life.
The disconnection stems from the fact that not everyone understands the emotional burdens of military service. Without a community of those who understand, it is much more challenging for veterans to recover from their mental illness and addiction battles. Thankfully, many support groups exist to help veterans recover from mental health conditions and addiction. Continue reading for more insight into how veteran support groups help those struggling with these concerns.
Support groups foster the connection lost in civilian life.
Veterans are at an increased risk of developing substance abuse and mental illness than civilians; this risk stems from a heightened sense of disconnection that is felt after returning from military service. Civilians do not understand the veteran experience or share the same traumatic memories as those who have served.
Veterans may discover that they miss the camaraderie they had while serving and that the support they receive from family members, though well intended, is not enough. Thankfully, veteran support groups can provide struggling vets with the connection they need to adjust to civilian life and overcome mental health and related challenges.
Struggling vets learn from others’ shared experiences in veteran support groups.
When veterans seek help from veteran support groups, they can enjoy the company of former service members and learn from shared similar experiences. For the best outcomes, it is important for veterans to stay surrounded by those who understand their situation, as this motivates recovery and provides emotional support that is deeply needed. In these groups, staff and peers are former service members who understand the emotional pain the individual is going through.
Veterans can improve their mental health by seeing what other service members have gone through and listening to their recovery stories. Learning by the example of those in veteran support groups supplies vets with guidance and resources for obtaining recovery. A central role in treatment programs for vets struggling with mental illness and addiction is support. For them, veteran support groups are healing outlets for overcoming mental health issues and addiction.
Take the path towards lasting recovery.
Veterans returning home need to feel that they are not alone with their struggles and emotional burdens. Veteran support groups aid in fostering that sense of connection so that struggling vets can get the additional help they need to recover. Reach out to a local veteran support group today and contact a qualified detox and mental health facility to start cultivating your personal path to recovery.
