The Effects of War on Soldiers and Their Families
Both soldiers and their families face trauma and hardships when soldiers are deployed. The stresses of the unknown and the magnitude of the dangers have profound psychological and social effects. Military families often need therapy during and after deployment to cope. When joining the military, soldiers and their families should be aware of the risks involved and prepare themselves for difficult times.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common psychological conditions resulting from war. By definition, war is traumatic. For many, the shock of what they encounter and the constant threat on their lives leaves them stressed and anxious long after events have transpired. In severe cases, people have nervous breakdowns, nightmares, delusions and rage that require counseling and sometimes psychiatric treatment to manage and resolve. Some of the worst cases occur when soldiers experience things or take actions which are at odds with their personalities and values. The internal conflict can be devastating.
Psychiatric Conditions
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In some cases, war exacerbates underlying issues. Mood and psychotic issues often present themselves between ages 18 and 25 -- the same age range into which most soldiers fall. Often these latent issues, which may not have developed fully. will come out instantly under the aggravation, pressure and stress of war. Military psychiatrists are responsible for identifying these cases and guiding soldiers to appropriate treatment, which usually results in discharge.
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Family Trauma
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The worries and fears families face when a loved one goes off to combat are immeasurable. Boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, wives, sons and daughters may never return; even if they do, they may come back maimed, disabled or psychologically damaged. Fear of the unknown can compound with lack of communication making combat a troubling and often traumatic time for families. This is why all branches of the military offer counseling and support groups for the nuclear families of deployed soldiers.
Dynamic Shifts
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People return from war changed by the experience. Even if they don't have PTSD, they may be more serious and less able to find joy or levity. Some develop a sincere and deep appreciation for life and their families and return with a new emphasis on connectedness and quality of life. Reactions vary by individual. In all cases, new attitudes affect family dynamics and functioning. In some cases -- particularly when a mother or father goes to war -- spouses and children adjust to the absence and take on a dynamic that functions without the absent parent or partner. When soldiers return, there can be challenges reintegrating into the family and shifting the household dynamic and roles to make room. Some soldiers feel depressed if they feel their families don't need them. Others may find their partners or children more independent than they left them. An adjustment period following a return home is typical.
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References
- MSNBC: 1 in 8 Returning Soldiers Suffers from PTSD; Associated Press, 2011
- KCBD: More Counseling is Suggested for Children with Deployed Parents; Kristen Beerman; January 5, 2010
- Stars and Stripes: A Soldier's Struggle with PTSD; March 29. 2008Tracy Burton;
- Counseling Outfitters: Counseling Military Families; Lynn K. Hall
- Mental Health Today: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
- KPBS: How Does the Stress of War Affect Military Families?; September 23, 2009
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