War Trauma / Veterans

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During war, military service members are exposed to a number of potentially traumatic events. In addition to life threatening combat situations, service members may witness injury and death, be involved in serious motor vehicle accidents, or may handle human remains. Research has shown a strong link between level of combat stress and PTSD.

Combat service members are at risk for death or injury. They may see others hurt or killed. They may have to kill or wound others. They are on alert around the clock. These and other factors can increase their chances of having PTSD or other mental health problems.

For many service members, being away from home for long periods of time can cause problems at home or work. These problems can add to the stress.

This may be even more so for National Guard and Reserve troops who had not expected to be away for so long. Almost half of those who served in Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) have been Guard and Reservists.

Another cause of stress is military sexual trauma (MST). This is sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurs in the military. It can happen to men and women. MST can occur during peacetime, training, or war.

Source: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/types/combat_exposure.asp