For those who have served our country and been in combat, dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) once they return home can be challenging. PTSD treatment is available for veterans in the state of Idaho. For many, professional treatment may be needed if symptoms are severe.
To better understand the benefits available to veterans, there are a number of resources available. If you need help understanding what Idaho PTSD treatment options are available to you or a family member, call on Zelus Recovery to help guide you through state and federal options as well as additional recovery services through a professional treatment center.
What does PTSD look like in veterans?
PTSD is a serious mental health concern in anyone following a traumatic event. Veterans returning from combat can carry the effects of their wartime experience with them for life. This type of PTSD can be treated so that they can effectively manage the triggers and symptoms of their PTSD. For those who live with untreated combat PTSD, living a reasonably normal and productive everyday life is almost impossible.
Symptoms of PTSD in veterans who have experienced combat can include:
- Vivid flashbacks that feel like reality
- Nightmares re-living the event
- Emotional distress from triggers that remind you of the event
- Feeling numb or hopeless
- Reclusive behavior
- Loss of interest in activities
- Selective memory surrounding the event
In many cases, the person you care about may avoid any and all people, places, or things that they associate with the event. Trouble sleeping (to avoid nightmares), self-destructive behavior, and even substance abuse can also be symptoms associated with PTSD. People will try to cope on their own, but most of these choices aren’t healthy ones.
Professional help is the best choice. At many PTSD treatment centers, there are programs designed especially for veterans. Being among other peers who have had similar experiences can be highly valuable and make veterans and their families feel more comfortable.
PTSD benefits for veterans in Idaho
There are many PTSD benefits available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)1, including mental health services. In addition, Idaho residents can access the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) of Idaho to see about more localized resources for PTSD. In many cases, mental health care for veterans is provided free of charge, alongside disability compensation and housing assistance.
The VA’s mental health care will include an evaluation, and then a combination of psychotherapy and family therapy. Local VA Medical Centers offer PTSD treatment programs designed with military personnel in mind. Depending on the severity of the PTSD, inpatient treatment may be available. The VA and DAV can assist veterans with navigating the VA system with step-by-step instructions and how to receive the benefits they need. It’s important to remember that reputable treatment centers like Zelus Recovery can offer guidance and additional holistic treatment options and aftercare if needed.
Enroll in Idaho PTSD treatment at Zelus Recovery today
PTSD causes a lot of pain for the person who has experienced the trauma. As a loved one, you may not notice the symptoms someone is experiencing. There can be a lot of shame surrounding the trauma that causes them to suffer without you even realizing they are struggling. Everyone processes trauma differently and different levels of care may be necessary depending on each person’s unique needs. It’s not uncommon for veterans who have seen combat to come back home and seem like entirely different people.
June is PTSD Awareness Month—a time to take the first step toward healing. If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of PTSD, Zelus Recovery is here to help. Call us today at 208.518.0797 or fill out our online contact form to learn more about treatment options and the benefits available to veterans in Idaho through the VA and local DAV agencies.
Source:
1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “VA Mental Health Services”. Accessed May 16, 2025
