Honoring the Fallen, Healing the Living

Misty Durnford

CEO and founder

As founder and visionary of Hideaway Recovery, I’ve turned personal loss into a mission to help others find freedom from addiction. A widow and passionate advocate for mental health, I created an evidence based facility that treats the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. Guided by compassion and a belief in the resilience of the human heart, I lead a dedicated team committed to restoring dignity, connection, and hope. Through Hideaway Recovery, I continue to encourage and guide others to heal, rebuild, and embrace a brighter, healthier future.

Honoring the Fallen, Healing the Living: Mental Health, Memorial Day, and the Path to Recovery

May marks two powerful observances—Mental Health Awareness Month and Memorial Day. While Mental Health Awareness Month focuses on reducing stigma and promoting wellness, Memorial Day reminds us of the immense sacrifices made by members of our armed forces. As we honor those who gave their lives in service, it’s also a time to acknowledge the emotional and psychological toll that such losses have on fellow service members, families, and the broader veteran community.

At Hideaway Recovery, we recognize that grief, trauma, and survivor’s guilt can be powerful triggers for addiction and mental health struggles. This month, we stand in remembrance—and in action—to support those still carrying the weight of service and loss.

The Hidden Impact of Loss

For surviving veterans, Memorial Day can be a deeply emotional experience. Remembering fallen brothers and sisters in arms can stir feelings of unresolved grief, guilt, anxiety, and depression. These emotional wounds, when left unaddressed, can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance use or withdrawal from family and community life.

Mental Health Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that these silent struggles deserve attention—and that healing is possible.

Why Mental Health Support Matters for Veterans

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans are significantly more likely to experience PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders than the general population. Yet stigma, fear, and a culture of silence often prevent them from seeking the care they need.

At Hideaway Recovery, we believe that asking for help is an act of courage—not weakness. Our programs are designed to meet veterans where they are, offering holistic care that addresses both mental health and addiction in a safe, confidential environment.

Veteran-Specific Addiction & Mental Health Support

In honor of those we’ve lost, we remain committed to caring for those still struggling. Hideaway Recovery proudly accepts TRICARE insurance and supports veterans through:

• Dual Diagnosis Treatment – Simultaneous care for addiction and mental health disorders

• Trauma-Informed Therapy – Targeted support for PTSD and survivor’s guilt

• Mindfulness & Wellness Programs – Including fitness, nature therapy, and group work

• Peer Connection – A men-only environment that fosters shared experience and camaraderie

This May, we invite you to take action—not just in remembrance, but in support of those who are still fighting internal battles. Whether you’re a veteran, a loved one, or someone impacted by loss, your voice, your healing, and your story matter.

✔️ Reach out to a veteran in your life.

✔️ Start a conversation about mental health.

✔️ Share recovery resources in your community.

✔️ Choose compassion over judgment—always.

This Memorial Day, we honor the fallen by caring for the living. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, trauma, or mental health challenges in the wake of military loss or service, know that you are not alone—and healing is possible.

Hideaway Recovery is a leading Palm Springs addiction treatment center for men, offering 24/7 confidential support to veterans and individuals facing co-occurring disorders. Our team provides personalized care in a peaceful, private setting where men can reflect, heal, and rebuild with purpose.

📞 Call us anytime at (760) 832-6730 for confidential help.

🌐 Visit HideawayRecovery.com to learn more.

📍 Located in Cathedral City and serving men across Palm Springs, the Coachella Valley, and Riverside County.

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