May, also known as Military Appreciation Month, is a special month for active duty members, veterans and their families!  What greater honor is there than to serve your country?  This month, and always, we are proud to have veterans, Damien Gabis and Orlando Minniefield, as therapists in our practice!

Veterans understand more than anyone what it means to put others before yourself.  Military families also sacrifice a normal family lifestyle to support their loved ones, often moving every few years. Children of military families are more likely to have mental health issues than their peers.

Active duty members and veterans often experience stigma from seeking mental health care. As veterans they are still hesitant to seek help for mental health care. The need for mental health services in the veteran and active duty military communities is well established.  However, it is well known that if an active duty member seeks mental health services they could damage or end their career. They can be seen as unfit to do their job, be of service to their country or to take care of their fellow service members.

Requirements to be fit for active duty  include fitness for duty determinations, fitness to perform a particular assignment, and/or other activities necessary for the military mission. Upon retirement, separation, or discharge the ongoing stigmas surrounding mental health  have a long lasting effect and many veterans are still afraid to seek counseling.

At My Wellness Center we understand that unique need of our veteran population, including struggles with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), substance abuse, TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), anger issues, interpersonal violence, suicidal ideation and grief.  If you know a Veteran that is in need of the services we offer, please contact us. We would love to support them through their wellness journey. If you would like to get in touch with our Veterans team, please reach out to Natalie Garritano at natalie@mywellnesspgh.com or 412-650-4321 ext 2.