Anxiety can have lasting effects on brain function, making active treatment essential. While anxiety causes physical discomfort and negative thoughts, prolonged anxiety can become chronic. Fortunately, effective treatment options are available that do not require medication. Despite the irony of anxiety preparing the mind and body for action while also leading to avoidance, taking small steps forward can pave the way to recovery. Managing anxiety is possible by learning new patterns of thinking and behavior, including relaxation strategies.

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities that a person once enjoyed. Other symptoms can include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

Depression can be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. It can occur at any age, including in children and adolescents, and can be triggered by a stressful life event, such as the loss of a loved one, a major life change, or a chronic illness.

Treatment for depression can include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Psychotherapy approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression. Antidepressant medications may also be prescribed by a healthcare provider to help alleviate symptoms. In addition to therapy and medication, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can also be helpful in managing depression.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals address trauma, addictions, and phobias by processing information in a unique way. During the therapy session, clients are instructed to focus on a specific thought, image, emotion, or sensation while tracking the movement of the therapist's finger or lightbar with their eyes. The goal is for the client to recognize their emotional response to the image and then release it while experiencing bilateral stimulation. This process is similar to riding on a train, where thoughts and emotions come and go like scenery outside the window.

Family systems therapy is a psychotherapy approach that addresses individual problems within the context of the family unit, where many issues tend to originate. The therapy involves collaborative work among family members to gain a deeper understanding of their group dynamic and how each member's actions impact the family as a whole. A key principle of family systems therapy is that any issue affecting one member affects the entire family.

The therapy was developed in the 1950s by psychiatrist Murray Bowen, who had experience as a general medical officer in the army, practiced psychiatry in clinics and the National Institutes of Mental Health, and conducted research on families. Unlike previous psychological philosophies that focused on the individual, Bowen's ideas centered around the family as an emotional unit. He believed that changes in one person could lead to changes in the entire group.

Military sexual trauma (MST) refers to any unwanted sexual contact or activity experienced by a member of the military. This can include sexual harassment, sexual assault, or rape that occurs during or after military service. The trauma can be perpetrated by someone within the military, such as a fellow service member, superior officer, or civilian contractor, or by someone outside of the military.

MST can have a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of the survivor, often leading to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Survivors of MST may also struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and betrayal, particularly if the perpetrator was a fellow service member or someone in a position of authority.

It is estimated that a significant number of military personnel experience MST, with studies indicating that rates of sexual assault in the military are higher than in the general population. Despite efforts to address the issue and provide support for survivors, many individuals may still face barriers to reporting and accessing appropriate care.

Trauma is a psychological response to a distressing event or series of events that exceed an individual's ability to cope. Traumatic events can include physical or emotional abuse, violence, accidents, natural disasters, or witnessing or being directly involved in a traumatic event. Trauma can lead to a range of symptoms including flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and difficulty with concentration.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can include re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance of people or places associated with the trauma, negative changes in mood or cognition, and hyperarousal, including increased anxiety or irritability.

PTSD can occur immediately following the traumatic event or may develop months or even years later. While anyone can develop PTSD after a traumatic event, some individuals may be at higher risk due to factors such as a history of trauma, a lack of social support, or a pre-existing mental health condition.

Treatment for PTSD may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Psychotherapy approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have been shown to be effective in helping individuals manage and overcome symptoms of PTSD.

Moral injury is a concept that pertains to the psychological and emotional distress experienced by some individuals who have been in combat or other morally challenging situations during their military service. It is distinct from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but can often co-occur with it.

Moral injury occurs when a person is exposed to situations or events that conflict with their deeply held moral and ethical beliefs. This can include actions they may have taken, witnessed, or been unable to prevent that go against their personal values, such as causing harm to civilians, witnessing the death of comrades, or being forced to engage in actions that violate their sense of right and wrong.

The key components of moral injury include:

1. Moral Violation: The individual perceives that they have transgressed their own moral code or witnessed actions that they find morally reprehensible.

2. Emotional Distress: Moral injury often leads to feelings of guilt, shame, anger, and spiritual or existential distress.

3. Social and Psychological Consequences: It can result in a sense of alienation, difficulty in trusting others, and can affect one's overall mental well-being.

Moral injury can have profound and long-lasting effects on a person's mental health and overall well-being. Often impeding ones ability to heal following experiences in war. It is an important aspect of understanding the complex psychological experiences of military personnel and veterans and highlights the need for appropriate mental health support and intervention for those affected by it.