Holistic Approaches to Mental Health for Active Duty Military and Veterans
- Nov 7, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 12
Serving in the armed forces can take a significant toll on a person's mental well-being. While traditional therapies are essential, a holistic approach that includes methods like mindfulness, art, and equine therapy can provide a more comprehensive path to healing and resilience.
What are some holistic mental health options for military personnel and veterans?
Mindfulness-based practices, art therapy, and equine therapy are all holistic approaches that can complement traditional treatments. These methods help active duty personnel and veterans address challenges like PTSD, anxiety, and depression by promoting relaxation, self-expression, and emotional regulation.
We've only scratched the surface of how holistic methods can support mental wellness for our nation's heroes. Dive deeper into the benefits of these innovative therapies and learn how to navigate worker compensation and VA benefits to get the care you or a loved one deserves.
How Can Holistic Therapies Enhance Mental Health for Veterans?
The mental well-being of active duty military personnel and veterans is a matter of utmost importance. Serving in the armed forces often exposes individuals to significant stressors and traumas that can have lasting effects on their mental health.
While traditional therapies play a crucial role in treating mental health issues, holistic approaches have gained recognition for their ability to complement and enhance the healing process.
In this article, we will explore holistic approaches to mental health treatment, including mindfulness, art therapy, and equine therapy, and how these methods can work alongside traditional therapies.
The Need for Holistic Mental Health Approaches
The unique challenges faced by active duty military personnel and veterans, such as combat-related trauma, deployments, and separation from loved ones, can contribute to mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
While traditional therapies like psychotherapy and medication have proven effective, holistic approaches offer a complementary avenue to address these challenges more comprehensively.
Mindfulness-Based Practices
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, focusing on thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment. It has gained popularity for its effectiveness in reducing stress, anxiety, and symptoms of PTSD. Here's how mindfulness-based practices work:
Mindfulness Meditation: Veterans and active-duty military personnel can benefit from mindfulness meditation, which involves guided sessions focused on relaxation, self-awareness, and stress reduction. These sessions can help individuals regain a sense of control over their thoughts and emotions.
Yoga and Tai Chi: These mind-body practices combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. They promote relaxation, improve physical fitness, and enhance emotional well-being.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): MBSR programs offer structured mindfulness training and have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a creative approach to mental health treatment that allows individuals to express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through artistic expression. For active duty military personnel and veterans, art therapy can provide the following benefits:
Emotional Expression: Art allows individuals to convey feelings that may be challenging to express verbally, making it particularly useful for those with PTSD or other trauma-related conditions.
Stress Reduction: Engaging in creative activities can reduce stress and provide a sense of relaxation and accomplishment.
Self-Exploration: Creating art can lead to self-discovery and a deeper understanding of one's emotions and experiences.
Equine Therapy
Equine therapy, also known as horse therapy, involves interactions with horses to promote emotional growth and healing. It can be especially beneficial for veterans and active-duty personnel dealing with trauma and mental health challenges:
Trust Building: Working with horses fosters trust and emotional connection, which can be especially important for individuals with trust issues stemming from trauma.Emotional Regulation: Interacting with horses can help individuals learn to manage emotions and cope with stress, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms.
Physical Activity: Equine therapy combines physical activity with emotional healing, promoting overall well-being.
Active Duty Military and Veterans Mental Health: Worker Compensation and VA Benefits
Many holistic approaches to mental health treatment may be covered by worker compensation or VA benefits. It's essential to explore these options to ensure access to the care you need. Here's how these benefits may apply:
Worker Compensation
In some cases, individuals who develop mental health conditions as a result of their service may be eligible for worker compensation benefits. This compensation can help cover the costs of holistic approaches like mindfulness-based programs, art therapy, or equine therapy.
VA Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes the value of holistic approaches to mental health and often provides coverage for these therapies. VA benefits may cover:
Mindfulness-Based Programs: Some VA medical centers offer mindfulness-based programs as part of their mental health services.
Art Therapy: VA facilities may have art therapy programs or provide referrals to community-based programs.
Equine Therapy: The VA occasionally partners with organizations that offer equine therapy, making it accessible to veterans.
It's important to note that eligibility for these benefits may vary based on individual circumstances, so it's advisable to consult with VA representatives or worker compensation specialists for guidance and assistance.
Holistic approaches to mental health, such as mindfulness, art therapy, and equine therapy, offer active duty military personnel and veterans valuable tools for addressing mental health challenges.
These approaches can complement traditional therapies by providing alternative avenues for self-expression, relaxation, and healing.
Moreover, the potential coverage of these holistic treatments by worker compensation and VA benefits underscores their importance in the comprehensive care of our nation's heroes. By embracing a holistic approach to mental health, we empower those who have served to embark on a journey of healing, resilience, and improved well-being.
Sources
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): NCCIH, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), offers information on complementary and integrative health approaches, including mindfulness and other holistic therapies, that can benefit military personnel and veterans.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - Whole Health for Life: The VA's Whole Health program incorporates holistic approaches to care, emphasizing personalized health plans that consider physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It provides insights into how these approaches benefit veterans.
Military Times - Here's Why These Vets are Turning to Yoga: This article discusses how veterans are using holistic approaches like yoga and meditation to manage PTSD and other mental health challenges, providing real-life examples of their effectiveness.
Psychology Today - Mindfulness Topic Page: Psychology Today offers articles and insights on mindfulness, which is a significant component of holistic mental health approaches. It can provide a broader understanding of the subject.
Frequently Asked Questions:
• What is mindfulness and how does it help military personnel and veterans?
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment. It can help military personnel and veterans by reducing stress and anxiety and managing the symptoms of PTSD.
• What are the benefits of art therapy for those who have served?
Art therapy allows individuals to express thoughts and emotions that are difficult to verbalize. It also helps reduce stress and promotes self-discovery.
• How does equine therapy support emotional healing?
Equine therapy involves interacting with horses to promote emotional growth. It helps build trust, teaches emotional regulation, and encourages physical activity, which all contribute to overall well-being.
• Are holistic mental health therapies covered by worker compensation?
In some cases, individuals who develop mental health conditions from their service may be eligible for worker compensation, which can help cover the costs of holistic treatments like mindfulness, art, or equine therapy.
• Does the VA cover holistic mental health care?
Yes, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) often provides coverage for holistic therapies. This can include mindfulness-based programs, art therapy, and in some cases, equine therapy, which may be offered through VA facilities or partnerships with community organizations.
When facing the unique mental health challenges of military service, finding the right support is a crucial step toward healing. At Chateau Health & Wellness, we're dedicated to helping you or your loved one on this journey. We offer a comprehensive approach that integrates traditional and holistic therapies, including mindfulness, art, and equine therapy, to create a personalized path to well-being. Our commitment is to provide the compassionate, expert care you deserve. We invite you to contact our team today at (435) 222-5225 so we can begin this journey together.
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About The Author
Ben Pearson, LCSW - Clinical Director
With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.
