What is Combat Stress?
In combat, service members develop unique skills and habits that allow them to function effectively in this stressful environment. Each service member needs time to transition back to his/her family and community since those combat habits and skills can create challenges in civilian life. Just as it took time to develop the combat habits, it takes time to stop using them.
The service member may not be aware of having these habits or using these skills. Some people make this readjustment on their own while others find assistance helpful.
Why Early Help is Important
Combat stress reactions often go away over time. If they persist--if they begin to interfere with your life or if you experience a delay in the effects of combat stress--it is important to seek treatment. Sometimes symptoms can become more difficult to treat over time, so catching them early is smart. Many early treatments for combat stress, depression and anxiety do not involve medication.
Signs of combat stress can show up immediately, six months or even a year after returning. It is good to seek help when you feel that you are being affected negatively by combat stress over a period of time.
There are effective treatments for combat stress and other possible reactions such as depression and anxiety.
Why Seek Help?
- Better understanding a situation before it reaches a crisis stage can make it easier to resolve.
- For many service members, dealing effectively with emotional and social issues increases success in civilian and military work.
- Resolving your concerns can lessen the stress on your family
Early Warning Signs
- Guilt about actions or shame over some failure
- Excessive drinking or drug use
- Uncontrolled or frequent crying or other extreme reactions to events that normally would be handled more calmly
- Sleep problems (too little, too much)
- Depression, anxiety, or anger
- Verbal or physical relationship violence
- Additional Resources:
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www.myvetwork.com
MyVetwork differentiates between PTSD and Combat stress issues, including an informative chart relating how much-needed war zone skills may manifest themselves back home. -
www.au.af.mil
Click on this link to download the U.S. Marine Corps Combat Stress Field Manual (FM 90-44/6-22.5) that provides a formal definition, common reactions and prevention of combat stress. -
www.usmc-mccs.org
Click here to download (in PDF) a helpful brochure form the U.S. Marine Corps that provides practical information about combat and operational stress including getting help and available resources.