Every day, thousands of veterans wake up fighting a battle no one can see. PTSD in military veterans is a widespread and devastating condition. It affects not only the service member but also their families, relationships, and futures. Some veterans hide their pain. Others struggle with depression, anxiety, or substance use. And for too many, the weight of untreated trauma becomes overwhelming.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about 11–20% of veterans from recent conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from PTSD each year. Among Vietnam veterans, that number is even higher. Despite the numbers, many veterans still go undiagnosed and untreated—sometimes for years.
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in veterans can appear long after returning home. They may start as nightmares or flashbacks but quickly affect daily life, work, and emotional health. At Bella Vida TMS in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Gilbert, we help veterans understand that PTSD is not a sign of weakness—and that healing is possible.
As President Barack Obama said:
“The cost of not treating our veterans is far greater than the cost of providing care.”
What Is PTSD and Why Does It Affect Veterans?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. In the military, these events may include combat, explosions, injury, sexual trauma, or seeing a fellow service member killed.
Veterans are especially vulnerable to PTSD because they often experience prolonged or repeated trauma. Even after the danger has passed, their brain and body remain on high alert, always looking for threats.
PTSD doesn’t mean you’re broken. It means your body did exactly what it was trained to do—survive. But now, it’s stuck in survival mode.
Common Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Veterans
Symptoms of PTSD in military veterans vary, but they usually fall into four main categories:
Intrusive Thoughts
Veterans may experience vivid flashbacks, nightmares, or upsetting memories that pop up suddenly and feel real.
Avoidance
Many veterans avoid people, places, or conversations that remind them of the trauma. They may isolate themselves from loved ones or stop doing things they once enjoyed.
Mood Changes
PTSD often causes ongoing sadness, guilt, or anger. Veterans may feel emotionally numb or lose interest in relationships and life goals.
Hyperarousal
This means being constantly on edge—trouble sleeping, being easily startled, or reacting aggressively. Some veterans report panic attacks, physical pain, or problems concentrating.
If these symptoms last longer than a month and disrupt daily life, it’s time to seek professional help.
How PTSD Impacts Daily Life
PTSD affects more than mental health—it changes how veterans see the world and themselves. It’s common for PTSD to lead to:
- Depression and hopelessness
- Substance abuse or alcohol dependence
- Chronic pain and sleep problems
- Relationship breakdowns
- Job loss or trouble keeping employment
- Increased risk of suicide
Sadly, over 6,000 veterans die by suicide each year, according to the VA’s 2023 Suicide Prevention Annual Report. Many of these tragedies are linked to untreated PTSD and depression.
But there is hope. New treatments, including TMS therapy, are helping veterans who haven’t responded to traditional options.
Effective Treatments for PTSD in Veterans
Talk Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are common therapy options for PTSD. These approaches help veterans process traumatic memories and reframe negative beliefs.
Medication
Doctors may prescribe antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. However, these don’t work for everyone and may come with side effects like fatigue or emotional blunting.
TMS Therapy
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a drug-free, FDA-cleared treatment for depression that can also reduce PTSD symptoms. TMS uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive areas of the brain—without medication or sedation.
At Bella Vida TMS, many veterans in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Glendale report feeling calmer, more focused, and emotionally balanced after a full course of TMS. It’s especially helpful for veterans with both PTSD and treatment-resistant depression.
Does Insurance Like Tricare Cover PTSD Treatment?
Yes. Tricare, Medicare, AHCCCS, and most commercial insurance plans cover many PTSD treatments, including therapy, medications, and TMS. If you’re unsure about your coverage, our team at Bella Vida TMS will verify your benefits and walk you through every step—no surprises.
We also coordinate with VA providers and outside therapists to support your care team and ensure continuity of treatment.
You Are Not Alone—And You Deserve Help
If you’re a veteran struggling with PTSD, please know this: you are not alone. Your experiences are valid. Your pain is real. And healing is absolutely possible.
At Bella Vida TMS, we offer compassionate, veteran-informed care in a setting that feels safe and respectful. We take time to understand your story and work with you to find the best treatment path—whether that’s TMS, therapy, medication, or a combination.
You’ve served with honor. Now it’s our turn to serve you.
Call Bella Vida TMS today to schedule your free TMS assessment.
We proudly serve veterans in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Gilbert, and we accept Tricare, Medicare, AHCCCS, and most private insurances.
FAQ
❓ What are the most common PTSD symptoms in military veterans?
The most common symptoms of PTSD in military veterans include flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, irritability, and hypervigilance. Many also experience sleep disturbances, anxiety, and avoidance of reminders related to their trauma. These symptoms can interfere with daily life, relationships, and work, especially when left untreated.
❓ How is PTSD different in veterans compared to civilians?
PTSD in veterans often stems from prolonged exposure to combat, life-threatening situations, or witnessing injury and death. This repeated trauma can make symptoms more complex and severe than PTSD in civilians. Veterans may also face unique stressors, such as survivor’s guilt or difficulty reintegrating into civilian life, which intensify their symptoms.
❓ Can TMS therapy help with PTSD and depression in veterans?
Yes, TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy can help veterans with PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate mood-regulating areas of the brain. Many veterans report reduced anxiety, improved mood, and better sleep after a full course of TMS therapy.
❓ Does Tricare cover PTSD treatment for military veterans?
Yes, Tricare covers many types of PTSD treatment for eligible veterans and military families, including talk therapy, medication management, and advanced treatments like TMS. At Bella Vida TMS, we help veterans verify their Tricare benefits and guide them through the approval process for covered services.
❓ Where can I get PTSD treatment in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, or Gilbert?
Veterans in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Gilbert can receive PTSD treatment at Bella Vida TMS. We offer a range of services including TMS therapy, psychiatric evaluations, and referrals for trauma-informed therapy. Our clinics are experienced in working with veterans and accept most major insurance plans, including Tricare and AHCCCS.
References
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – PTSD: National Center for PTSD
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/ - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – PTSD and Suicide Risk
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/cooccurring/suicide_ptsd.asp - National Institutes of Health – PTSD: Overview and Statistics
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd - American Psychiatric Association – What Is PTSD?
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd - National Center for PTSD – PTSD and Depression
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/related/depression.asp - VA 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/2023/2023-National-Veteran-Suicide-Prevention-Annual-Report.pdf - American Psychiatric Association – TMS for Depression
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/tms
