Lighthouse Network Connects Active Duty Military, Reservists, and Veterans To Hope For Healing Wounded Hearts
Key Facts:
- As uprisings and attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East intensify, military presence in the region is increasing with Marines being sent to Yemen.
- The most recently reported military suicide numbers are at their highest reported levels and difficulties with alcohol abuse are prevalent.
- Recent attacks and killings stir and rekindle many veterans’ past traumas, acting as triggers for increased substance abuse, PTSD, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
- Lighthouse Network, helps arrange the best care for those in need, especially faith-based care which offers more lasting recovery and positively impacts the mental health of returning military members and their families.
- The critical component of Lighthouse Network is their addiction and counseling treatment options helpline: 1-844-LifeChange (543-3242)
As protests intensify against the U.S. in Middle Eastern countries and military presence increases in Yemen, thoughts turn to the brave men and women that are protecting our embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions in Middle Eastern countries that are intent on attacking the Western way of life.
The military released recent suicide numbers, which were at the highest recorded levels ever for active duty personnel, actually outnumbering deaths on the battelfield. Both the military itself and President Obama have acknowledged the need to do far better in addressing the sometimes significant mental health needs of those returning home from the theater of war.
Many soldiers and veterans will re-experience trauma, either in flashbacks, nightmares, or other scenarios. They will become anxious, agitated, or have problems with irritability or rage. These brave men and women often think of themselves as overwhelmed and incompetent, or even at times like murderers, monsters, or worse. For many veterans, upon returning home and re-integrating into civilian life, their tragedies of war distort the lenses they look at present day life. These distortions dramatically warp their view of themselves, God, people, and their present circumstances, leading to many compromised decisions that affect all areas of their lives, becoming hopeless and unfortunately driving some to suicide.
Lighthouse Network is available to assist military members or their families that are dealing with separation anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, PTSD, and a full gamut of mental health issues unique to the military and that could drive a person to suicide if left untreated. The Christian element that Lighthouse brings to both its counseling programs and to nearly every referral it makes helps to increase not only its success in helping to heal broken spirits, but also to increase the longevity of the recovery.
As mental health professionals with a Christian worldview, we see the mind of mentally wounded veterans as the enemy’s playground. Satan is the great deceiver who twists the tragedies of war into something far more nefarious. Research shows key components of resiliency to be faith, calling, purpose, hope, a moral compass, facing fear and having a role model. All point to a focus on Christ and His promises through The Holy Bible. As committed Christian clinicians, we strive to keep God at the center of our practice and help our clients to do the same, in order to bring peace and healing to the war-torn spirits of military members and veterans who return from war broken in unseen ways. By helping them heal through the Spirit of Christ rather than just through their own power, we can help prevent the tendency toward suicide and addictions that is so prevalent in these people who feel they have no other hope for healing options.
Those who are concerned about a friend or loved one who served or any other struggling with depression, PTSD, anxiety, insomnia, drugs, alcohol or any life-interfering or -endangering behaviors should reach out for help with a trusted Behavioral Health specialist, a local hospital, or their pastor. Remember, the most effective help will incorporate God into the healing process, because without Him, no amount of rehab, treatment or medication can bring true hope, deep healing and lasting life transformation.