International Women’s Day on March 8 is the perfect opportunity to spotlight women veterans who have bravely and honorably served our country. Despite their invaluable contributions, women in the military often face unique challenges that continue long after their service ends. What contributes to these mental and behavioral health issues, and why do women veterans need specialized support services?
Unique Factors Affecting Women Veterans’ Mental Health
Women veterans encounter distinct experiences in their line of duty, which can significantly impact their mental health. The most pressing issues we see among our military clients are the multiple traumas they may experience during service.
- Military sexual trauma: MST refers to sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurs in the military. It affects one in three women in the armed forces, and its effects can be devastating. MST can lead to various mental health issues, including PTSD, depression and anxiety.
- Trauma encountered in the line of duty: Women veterans face similar situations as their male counterparts, including exposure to life-threatening situations, severe injury and the stress of intense military operations. These experiences can contribute to PTSD, anxiety and adjustment disorders.
Addressing Mental Health and Recovery
We must recognize and address the unique mental and behavioral health needs of women veterans. Recovery involves treating the symptoms and addressing their root causes.
1. Specialized Support Services
Services tailored to veterans’ specific experiences and needs can provide a more informed approach to healing.
2. Comprehensive Treatment Programs
Treatment programs that address the full spectrum of addiction and co-occurring mental health issues are essential for recovery.
3. Creating Safe Spaces
Establishing environments where women veterans feel safe, respected and understood is crucial for healing. These include physical spaces and communities that validate what you’ve been through and foster a sense of belonging.
4. Advocacy
Increased awareness of the unique challenges women encounter in military service can lead to better policies, more funding for women-specific programs and a broader understanding of these issues among the public.
Treatment for Veterans
At Hope by the Sea, we have designed specialty treatment tracks for veterans and women. By providing a compassionate, understanding, and safe environment, we help our clients heal from their traumas and build a fulfilling civilian life.
While your time in uniform may have ended, our obligation to support you has not. Our family-owned treatment center is here if you struggle with addiction and co-occurring mental health issues related to military service.
As part of the VA’s Community Care Network, we are here to bridge the gap if you can’t get a timely appointment or feel the VA’s services don’t meet your needs. If you’ve received the necessary approvals from the VA, we’ll quickly enroll you in one of our specialized treatment tracks. Our commitment to our military veterans runs deep. We are in-network with TriWest and TRICARE and have many team members who have proudly served our nation. Trust our veteran services advocate and other patriotic staff members to customize a recovery plan for the challenges you face.
