Military trauma is a complex and deeply personal experience that can impact service members and veterans long after their time in service. This trauma can arise from various sources, such as combat experiences, the stress of military life, or even military sexual trauma (MST).
Understanding what military trauma entails, recognizing its impacts, and knowing that help is available are critical steps toward healing.
Military trauma encompasses any traumatic experiences that service members may face during their time in the armed forces. This trauma often stems from high-stress environments, witnessing violence, losing fellow soldiers, and dealing with life-threatening situations. Additionally, military trauma can arise from MST, which refers to sexual assault or harassment experienced within military contexts.
The experiences that cause military trauma can vary widely from one person to another. For some, it may stem from a single event, while for others, it may result from cumulative stress over months or years of service. This broad range of traumatic events makes each person’s experience with military trauma unique.
Military trauma can have lasting effects on mental health, often leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Many veterans may also experience difficulty adjusting to civilian life, particularly in environments that don’t fully understand or acknowledge the experiences they’ve been through.
PTSD is one of the most recognized outcomes of military trauma. Individuals with PTSD may relive their traumatic experiences through flashbacks or nightmares, experience heightened alertness, and often avoid situations that remind them of their trauma. This hyper-awareness can interfere with daily life, relationships, and even one’s ability to work or relax.
Since 2013, Dr. Riggins has helped military Veterans across the United States suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He has extensive experience with concerns related to combat, non-combat and military sexual trauma (MST). Most notably, as a former PTSD psychologist for the Department of Veteran Affairs, he has assessed, diagnosed, and treated hundreds of Veterans through the use of evidenced-based approaches.
Dr. Riggins is trained and experienced in the following treatments for PTSD:
The goal for treatment is to REDUCE symptoms, ACQUIRE skills and IMPROVE your overall quality of life!
