Veteran Support Group Topics

Men and women coming home from war are returning with serious mental conditions. Since 2009, the number of diagnosed cases in the military of post traumatic stress disorder has jumped by more than 50 percent. Many veterans turn to group therapy to help them cope with the problems they are facing. The sessions are often run by a mental health professional and the topics discussed try to get to the core of the issue. Some therapy groups, as described by the nonprofit Vets4Vets, are led by peers.

Combat Experiences

• Many group sessions discuss the experiences that they shared during their times at war or police action. Many veterans are haunted by combat flashbacks. It can be painful to relive these memories. Because veterans are in a room with people who have had similar experiences, they may feel more inclined to talk out some of the ordeals they have been through. These conversations help veterans learn to deal with emotions such as shame, guilt, anger, rage, and fear in a healthy and positive way. Swapping these war stories also builds confidence and trust among members of the group, and helps them feel more open to discussing what they have been through.

Adjusting to Civilian Life

• Coming back home from war means a whole new change for veterans, especially those who have been in the armed forces for several years. This can be true even when a veteran is coming back to familiar surroundings; going back to normal life can be a difficult transition to make. The atmosphere of group therapy or peer support groups offers an opportunity for social interaction and career networking. Veterans can share tips on how to adjust back to life as a civilian and how to become productive members of society.

Coping Strategies

• Working through a problem involves finding a successful solution, and one of the purposes of group therapy or peer support for veterans is developing beneficial coping strategies. Each person is different but common themes occur. For example, military operations call for soldiers to act in anger and other aggressive measures in order to carry out a mission, tactics that do not bode well for life in the civilian world. Veterans must develop a coping strategy that allows them to relax, especially during high pressure situations. Some groups may use complementary and unconventional methods like yoga to help veterans deal with stress. Yoga works for many former soldiers because it incorporates relaxation and meditation exercises.