Mental Health Issues For Military Families
|
Mental health problems are rapidly becoming a major issue of concern among the military personnel and their families. According to the reports published by American Psychological Association (ASA), some important psychological health problems occurring in military families include depression, anxiety, stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
|
Prolonged periods of overseas deployment of military personnel are the prime reason due to which military personnel and their families suffer from mental health problems. Apart from this, mental health problems and excessive stress levels have also been diagnosed in military personnel returning from a combat zone, in young families who are experiencing their first military separation and those who have been sent for an overseas deployment for the first time. These problems have also been observed in the families of military personnel who are serving in the National Guard or Reserves. Deployment results in extended separations and the uncertainty of having a loved one in a combat zone. This creates an environment good enough with the potential of developing significant emotional problems for military personnel and their families.
Children of military personnel are terribly affected with mental health problems. Deployment results in children being separated from their primary care taker. The situation is even worse in children whose parents are divorced. They are deprived of love, affection and care for an extended period of time.
Addressing mental health issues of military personnel and their families is highly important. It is the responsibility of the government to provide proper mental health care services to service members and their families with more emphasis of treatment of conditions like PTSD and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
 |
