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5 Tips for Better Mental Health: A Veteran’s Guide to Resilience
By Andre Ranadive | 4/21/2025 | 4 minutes
At TrueNorth Therapy, we understand that maintaining your mental health takes more than just willpower. For veterans, service members, and their families, the road to wellness often involves unique challenges—whether it’s processing trauma, finding community, or adapting to civilian life. That’s why we believe in a holistic approach to well-being, blending traditional therapy with lifestyle practices that build strength inside and out. Here are five powerful ways to improve your mental health—starting today. ---------------------------------------- 1. RECONNECT WITH YOUR COMMUNITY: SPIRIT, FAMILY, OR MISSION Isolation is one of the biggest risks to your mental health. Whether you connect through your faith, your family, or your work, strong relationships create purpose and stability. For veterans especially, that sense of shared mission can be hard to replace. But community is everywhere—at the gym, in veteran support groups, even at your place of worship. Find your tribe again, and your healing will accelerate. ---------------------------------------- 2. GET SERIOUS ABOUT SLEEP Sleep is the most underrated mental health treatment available—and it’s free. Poor sleep can trigger anxiety, increase depression, and impair emotional regulation. Build a sleep routine: cut off screens an hour before bed, avoid caffeine late in the day, and stick to a consistent wake-up time. Your brain, mood, and body will thank you. ---------------------------------------- 3. TRAIN HARD, FIGHT EASY: EXERCISE FOR YOUR MIND Regular physical activity is one of the fastest ways to boost your mental health. Whether it’s weightlifting, hiking, or hitting the mats for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, movement releases endorphins and regulates stress hormones. Jiu Jitsu in particular has been a game-changer for many veterans—offering a mix of challenge, camaraderie, and mindfulness. The discipline of training builds resilience that carries over into daily life. ---------------------------------------- 4. EMBRACE THE COLD: ICE BATHS & MENTAL TOUGHNESS Cold exposure—like ice baths or cold showers—has gained traction for a reason. It can reduce inflammation, sharpen focus, and improve mood. The shock of cold water can also be a training ground for mental resilience, helping you control your breath and stay calm under pressure. Just like life’s challenges, you learn to endure discomfort and come out stronger. ---------------------------------------- 5. WHEN IT’S BIGGER THAN YOU: TALK TO A THERAPIST All the ice baths in the world can’t replace what therapy offers. If you’re struggling with symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, or just feeling stuck—talking to a therapist can help. At TrueNorth Therapy, we specialize in supporting members of the military and veteran community. Our providers understand your culture, your experiences, and your challenges—because many of us have lived it too. ---------------------------------------- AT TRUENORTH THERAPY, WE’RE HERE TO SERVE YOU Whether you’re navigating trauma, relationships, or just trying to feel like yourself again, therapy can be a powerful tool alongside the practices above. We offer virtual and in-person support tailored to the military lifestyle—with or without insurance. You’ve taken care of others. Now it’s time to take care of yourself.
