Every day, over 17 veterans in the U.S. die by suicide. That’s more than 6,000 lives lost each year. The reality is heartbreaking—and it’s often avoidable. The most serious mental health challenges facing veterans today include PTSD, depression, anxiety, and the emotional toll of adjusting to civilian life. These aren’t just statistics. They’re stories of brave men and women suffering in silence.
At Bella Vida TMS, we believe no veteran should fight alone. Whether you’re dealing with PTSD and depression in veterans or struggling to find your footing after service, help exists. Real treatment. Real support. Real hope. And it’s available right here in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Gilbert.
As President Barack Obama once said:
“To care for him who shall have borne the battle…”
That care must include mental health, not just medals and parades.
Understanding the Mental Health Crisis Among Veterans
Veterans are at a greater risk of mental illness than the general population. The demands of combat, military culture, and long-term stress can lead to complex, deeply rooted psychological struggles.
The data is sobering:
- According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 1 in 3 veterans report symptoms of depression, PTSD, or both.
- Nearly 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans experience post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Veterans are 50% more likely to die by suicide than non-veterans, according to the CDC.
- Many veterans never seek help due to stigma, fear of judgment, or lack of access to proper care.
Let’s break down the most common mental health challenges facing veterans today.
PTSD and Depression in Veterans
PTSD and depression often go hand in hand. Veterans who have seen combat, suffered injury, or lost friends are at high risk. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) can develop after life-threatening or traumatic events, making everyday life feel unsafe and unpredictable.
Signs of PTSD in veterans include:
- Flashbacks or nightmares
- Sudden anger or irritability
- Hypervigilance or feeling “on edge”
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Emotional numbness or detachment
Depression symptoms include:
- Persistent sadness
- Loss of interest in activities
- Low energy or fatigue
- Thoughts of death or suicide
These symptoms can interfere with jobs, relationships, and daily life. What’s worse is that many veterans believe they need to just “suck it up.” But PTSD and depression are medical conditions, not weaknesses.
TMS therapy (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) offers new hope for veterans whose depression hasn’t responded to medication. It’s a non-invasive treatment that stimulates the brain areas responsible for mood regulation—without drugs or downtime.
Anxiety and Hyperarousal After Service
Many veterans experience ongoing anxiety after service. This isn’t just “being stressed.” It can feel like your nervous system is stuck in high alert mode—long after the danger has passed.
Common anxiety symptoms in veterans include:
- Restlessness
- Difficulty relaxing
- Panic attacks
- Racing thoughts
- Muscle tension
Some may develop Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or panic disorders, especially after deployments where constant vigilance was necessary for survival.
Anxiety can be treated, but veterans need the right tools. Therapy, mindfulness, and treatments like TMS (which can also help calm anxiety symptoms) are making a real difference for people who once felt hopeless.
Veterans in Scottsdale and Gilbert now have access to these modern therapies through clinics like Bella Vida TMS, where military mental health is a priority.
Difficulty Adjusting to Civilian Life
Leaving the military is not just a job change. It’s an identity shift. Veterans often struggle with:
Loss of purpose:
The mission-driven nature of service is hard to replace in civilian life.
Isolation:
Veterans may feel disconnected from civilians who don’t understand their experiences.
Career struggles:
Many face underemployment or job stress after leaving structured environments.
Relationship challenges:
Divorce rates among veterans are higher than civilians, especially those with combat exposure.
These adjustment struggles may not have formal diagnoses, but they contribute to depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Mental health support tailored for veterans can make all the difference.
The Role of Family and Community in Veteran Mental Health
Veterans aren’t the only ones impacted—families often carry the emotional weight too. Spouses may not understand PTSD triggers. Children may not know why their parent is withdrawn or angry.
Supporting veterans means supporting their families. At Bella Vida TMS, we take a holistic approach. We don’t just focus on the symptoms—we treat the whole person. That includes connecting family members with education, therapy referrals, and community resources to build resilience together.
What Stops Veterans From Getting Help?
Despite all we know about these challenges, too many veterans don’t seek care. Why?
- Stigma: They fear looking weak or “broken.”
- Lack of access: Many live far from VA clinics or can’t get timely appointments.
- Misinformation: Some don’t know about non-drug options like TMS or ketamine.
- Cost: Worries about coverage, especially among veterans not enrolled in VA programs.
This is where Bella Vida TMS can help. We accept most major insurances including Tricare, Medicare, and AHCCCS, and we guide veterans through every step of care—from assessment to recovery.
Advanced, Veteran-Friendly Treatment Options
Veterans deserve options beyond medications with harsh side effects or long waitlists. At Bella Vida TMS, we offer:
TMS Therapy
FDA-cleared for depression. Non-invasive. No meds. No downtime.
Ketamine Therapy
For treatment-resistant depression and suicidal thoughts. Works fast—often within days.
Psychiatric Evaluations and Medication Management
Led by compassionate, experienced providers who understand veteran experiences.
Referrals for Talk Therapy
Including trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, and CBT from trusted military-aligned professionals.
Family-Focused Care
Support and guidance for spouses, partners, and children.
The Importance of Veteran-Focused Care
Not all mental health clinics understand military life. At Bella Vida TMS, we do. Many of our team members have military families or experience working with veterans. We know what it means to serve—and how hard it can be to ask for help.
Our clinics in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Gilbert offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where healing is possible. You’ve served your country. Now let us serve you.
You Deserve to Heal
If you’re a veteran or military family member facing anxiety, depression, PTSD, or trouble adjusting to life after service, you are not alone. Help is here. Hope is real. And healing is possible.
The mental health challenges facing veterans today are serious—but treatable. Don’t wait for a breaking point. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can feel like yourself again.
Call Bella Vida TMS to schedule a free TMS assessment today. Let’s build a path toward better days—together.
FAQ
❓ What is an acute medical detox treatment program?
An acute medical detox treatment program is a medically supervised inpatient service designed for individuals experiencing severe or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms from drugs or alcohol. These programs provide 24/7 care, medication support, and emergency intervention when needed.
❓ Who qualifies for inpatient detox for severe withdrawal?
You may qualify for inpatient detox for severe withdrawal if you have a history of heavy substance use, previous withdrawal seizures, co-occurring mental health disorders, or if you’re detoxing from multiple substances. A medical evaluation helps determine the safest level of care.
❓ Is acute detox safer than detoxing at home?
Yes. Acute detox is much safer than trying to detox at home, especially if you’re withdrawing from alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines. Medical staff monitor your vital signs and treat symptoms to prevent serious complications like seizures or cardiac arrest.
❓ How long does inpatient detox for severe withdrawal take?
The average inpatient detox for severe withdrawal lasts between 5 to 10 days, depending on the substances used, the duration of use, and your overall health. Some people may need a longer stay if complications arise or if multiple drugs are involved.
References
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – PTSD: National Center for PTSD
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/ - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Mental Health
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/ - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Suicide Risk in Veterans
https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/disparities-in-suicide/veterans.html - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Veterans and Military Families
https://www.samhsa.gov/veterans-military-families - National Institutes of Health – TMS for Treatment-Resistant Depression
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6385079/ - National Library of Medicine – Ketamine and PTSD
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6220621/ - Veterans Health Administration – Suicide Prevention Annual Report (2023)
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/2023/2023-National-Veteran-Suicide-Prevention-Annual-Report.pdf - National Institute of Mental Health – Depression Basics
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
