Understanding and Enhancing Mental Health Support for Veterans

The Role of Social Support in Veteran PTSD Recovery

For decades, the mental health struggles of military veterans have been a significant concern. Since World War II, research has shown that veterans often face unique challenges in transitioning to civilian life, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being one of the most common conditions. My thesis, A Metatheoretical Analysis of Social Support Theory in Application to Military PTSD, explored the complexities of social support as a critical component in addressing PTSD among veterans.

Why Social Support Matters

Social support is widely recognized as a factor that can either mitigate or exacerbate PTSD symptoms. However, research has shown mixed findings on its impact. Some studies indicate that higher levels of social support correlate with decreased PTSD symptoms (Duax et al., 2014; Pietrzak et al., 2009; Price et al., 2013; Wilcox, 2010), while others reveal that certain types of social support can actually increase distress (Hoyt & Renshaw, 2014). These discrepancies highlight the need for a nuanced understanding of social support theory and its application in military populations.

Four Key Outcomes in Research on PTSD and Social Support

Through my research, I identified four main patterns in the relationship between social support and PTSD:

1. Greater Social Support, Decrease in PTSD – Veterans with stronger social support systems tend to experience fewer PTSD symptoms. Studies have shown that emotional and informational support, particularly from family and military peers, contributes to better mental health outcomes (Duax et al., 2014; Pietrzak et al., 2009; Price et al., 2013; Wilcox, 2010).

2. The Erosion Model – PTSD symptoms can erode social support over time. Veterans experiencing severe symptoms may withdraw from their social networks, leading to isolation and increased distress (King et al., 2006; Laffaye et al., 2008; Tsai et al., 2012).

3. Low Social Support, Increased PTSD – Veterans with lower levels of social support prior to experiencing trauma are at a higher risk of developing PTSD (Chapman et al., 2013; Dinenberg et al., 2014). This finding underscores the importance of pre-deployment interventions.

4. Increased Support, Increased PTSD – Some veterans who receive certain types of support—particularly when it involves reliving traumatic experiences—may actually experience a worsening of symptoms (Hoyt & Renshaw, 2014). This suggests that not all support mechanisms are beneficial and highlights the need for tailored interventions.

The Need for Specialized Therapy and Support Services.

Given the complexities of PTSD and social support in veterans, access to specialized mental health services is essential. Too often, veterans struggle to find providers who truly understand the military experience and the transition to civilian life.

At Sentient Path PLLC, we recognize these challenges and are dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care tailored to veterans. Our therapists, including those who have served in the military, bring a deep understanding of the unique mental health needs of veterans. We offer therapy services designed to support the transition to civilian life, addressing issues such as reintegration stress, trauma, and relationship difficulties.

Our veteran-focused therapy services include:

• Individual therapy for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and trauma

• Support groups for veterans transitioning to civilian life

• Specialized therapy for military families and spouses

• Evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused Therapy

We understand that military life instills a strong sense of camaraderie, discipline, and resilience—qualities that can sometimes create difficulties when transitioning to civilian society. Our team is here to bridge that gap, providing veterans with the tools they need to thrive in post-service life.

Moving Forward: A Call to Action

To enhance mental health outcomes for veterans, a multidisciplinary approach is essential. Social workers, mental health professionals, and veteran advocacy groups must collaborate to create evidence-based interventions that address the complex interplay between PTSD and social support.

As we continue to explore the best ways to support our veterans, my hope is that research like mine will contribute to policies and practices that improve their quality of life. By refining our understanding of social support and PTSD, we can help veterans build stronger, healthier futures.

If you or a loved one is a veteran seeking support, Sentient Path PLLC is here to help. Reach out today to learn more about our veteran-focused therapy services and how we can assist in your transition to a fulfilling civilian life.

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References

Brancu, M., Thompson, N. L., Beckham, J. C., Green, K. T., Calhoun, P. S., Elbogen, E. B., & Wagner, H. (2014). The impact of social support on psychological distress for U.S. Afghanistan/Iraq era veterans with PTSD and other psychiatric diagnoses. Psychiatry Research, 217(1–2), 86–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2014.02.024

Chapman, P., Elnitsky, C., Thurman, R., Spehar, A., & Siddharthan, K. (2013). Exploring combat-related loss and behavioral health among OEF/OIF veterans with chronic PTSD and mTBI. Traumatology, 19(2), 154–157.

DeBeer, B. B., Kimbrel, N. A., Meyer, E. C., Gulliver, S. B., & Morissette, S. B. (2014). Combined PTSD and depressive symptoms interact with post-deployment social support to predict suicidal ideation in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans. Psychiatry Research, 216(3), 357–362.

Dinenberg, R., McCaslin, S. E., Bates, M. N., & Cohen, B. E. (2014). Social support may protect against development of post-traumatic stress disorder. American Journal of Health Promotion, 28(5), 294–297.

Duax, J. M., Bohnert, K. M., Rauch, S. A., & Defever, A. M. (2014). Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, levels of social support, and emotional hiding in returning veterans. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development, 51(4), 571–578.

Hoyt, T., & Renshaw, K. D. (2014). Emotional disclosure and posttraumatic stress symptoms: Veteran and spouse reports. International Journal of Stress Management, 21(2), 186–206.

Jacobson, D. E. (1986). Types and timing of social support. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 27(3), 250–263.

King, D. W., Taft, C., King, L. A., Hammond, C., & Stone, E. R. (2006). Directionality of the association between social support and posttraumatic stress disorder: A longitudinal investigation. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 36(12), 2980–2992.

Laffaye, C., Cavella, S., Drescher, K., & Rosen, C. (2008). Relationships among PTSD symptoms, social support, and support source in veterans with chronic PTSD. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 21(4), 394–401.

Pietrzak, R. H., Johnson, D. C., Goldstein, M. B., Malley, J. C., & Southwick, S. M. (2009). Psychological resilience and postdeployment social support protect against traumatic stress and depressive symptoms. Depression and Anxiety, 26(8), 745–751.

Price, M., Gros, D. F., Strachan, M., Ruggiero, K. J., & Acierno, R. (2013). The role of social support in exposure therapy for OIF/OEF veterans. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 5(1), 93–100.

Thoits, P. A. (1982). Life stress, social support, and psychological vulnerability. Journal of Community Psychology, 10(4), 341–362.

Thoits, P. A. (2011). Mechanisms linking social ties and support to physical and mental health. Journal of Health & Social Behavior, 52(2), 145–161.