In 2013, the Pentagon released a report stating that “the rate of reported anxiety disorders among U.S. troops jumped 327% between 2000 and 2012.” The report also said that “It accounts for significant morbidity, disability, healthcare service utilization, lost duty time, and attrition from military service.”

There is another angle to the problem – the soldiers’ families are as vulnerable to developing emotional issues –anxiety, fear, phobia, OCD, etc. – because of the unique challenges they live with.

The Military Family Life Scenario

Moving is an expected aspect of military life; the same goes for the family of a soldier. On the average, their families geographically relocate every 2 or 3 years, or about 10 times more often than a regular civilian family. Thus, they are confronted with excessive emotional and physical challenges and other reasons to feel anxious and afraid. They experience financial difficulties when military spouses lose their source of income. The children face academic challenges as they transfer from one school to another. They go through the experience of losing things and people they are familiar with.

The deployment of the military spouse/parent can also cause them to persistently feel anxious and afraid because of the risks that their loved one has to face. Those who lose their contact with the military community they know or their extended families are especially vulnerable to anxiety. Feeling isolated and unsupported, their anxiety and fear can easily spiral to worse emotional problems such as phobia, frequent panic attacks and OCD.

The return of the military spouse/parent, especially those struggling with their own emotional and psychological issues can also impact the rest of the family. Knowing how to survive the challenges and to resolve reintegration in a positive way are crucial to the emotional and psychological health of every military family.

Rediscovering Happy, Harmonious Family Life

Families of service men and women, who have been sent to fight wars, deployed on tours of duty, and geographically moved from one base to another, probably have family members who have been struggling with fear and anxiety through the years. If you are a spouse who is confronted with these tough challenges, and you have children who need to be guided so they can adjust with all the moving and deployment, you may need assistance to readjust and be able to focus on the positive aspects of your life and your family. This can be extra hard without friends or relatives to run to in a new location.

If your military family is experiencing anxiety, fear, even panic, phobia or OCD, it will be in your family’s best interest to seek professional help from Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC. A Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC contracted therapist can help you and your family to adjust and resolve issues that seem unresolvable. Call now to schedule your appointment!

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