Armed Conflict and War

World conflicts, for example, Iraq and Afghanistan, are stressful events for all — for those deployed, those returned and their families. Often there is no clearly defined “front line” during a conflict or in the heat of battle. The risks and exposures often lead to extreme stress and trauma and may be real or potential threats to all who serve in our military — regardless of their military occupations, training or combat related operational duties.

Mental health problems among those who had been deployed to Iraq are not uncommon, particularly those exposed to combat and life threatening events. The scope of the current conflict in Iraq has necessitated an unprecedented use of reservists and members of the National Guard. These members of the armed services are not only part of the nation’s response to disasters at home, but also overseas deployment and its associated risks. Reservists and National Guard members and their families are often geographically more remote from active military units and military installations. Support services may be less available or less accessible. Workplace re-entry into civilian jobs and life is another challenge experienced by the guard and reserve military personnel.

Repetitive and lengthy deployments to Iraq or Afghanistan have also challenged the full-time military force. New threats associated with technologically advanced weaponry have forced the creation and training of highly specialized service members whose skill sets are unique and difficult to replace. Soldiers face the perceived threat of exposure to indiscriminate weapons of mass destruction and harmful agents that may be difficult or impossible to detect, identify, or avoid.

Real-time communication of the stresses of home life communicated by Internet and videocam technology may prove as stressful for service members as the first-hand accounts of war are for their family members and friends at home. The service members’ stress may be compounded by the their sense of helplessness or inability to “fix” problems (financial difficulties, health problems, parenting or marital issues) that arise and can be communicated rapidly from the homefront to theatre or vice versa. Media productions containing graphic scenes of combat or injury may also be stressful to returning soldiers and their families.

It is important for military healthcare professionals, for service members and their families to recognize that most common, mental health conditions such as depression are highly treatable through early identification and help-seeking. Primary care settings play an important role in this process. There are also excellent resources available for military and their families such as MilitaryOneSource and many community-based services on posts and bases. Mental health issues are best handles by early recognition, help-seeking, and treatment.

The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress has developed a number of educational and support resources for healthcare providers, military command, service members and their families, available on our site under Fact sheets and Resources.