Will the long term effect of being in a combat zone affect my personal life?

Answer 1

It will ! The extend depends on different factors,what you experience ,your previous mental condition your Support system,family .You cant predict anything until years later.My husband is on his 4th tour in Iraq and i have to say the experience changed him a lot..good and bad ! The DOD has extensive Studies on their Website but you just cant apply those numbers to everybody.You will never be the same Person after a Combat experience.I must say the biggest Change that i saw in my Husband was that he appreciates his family much more then before.He trains his Soldiers differently now(probably harder because he knows first hand that lack of training costs lifes) he has even less tolerance for civilians(cant blame him there).On the down side....especially the first few weeks he had a hard time to relax and sleep which led to some temper problems..sometimes i can tell he is "back there"totally zoomed out..best thing to do is to leave him alone and just wait if he wants to talk or not(mostly not) it is important that your Family is well informed and knows what to expect..and important for you to learn how to distinguish combat related emotions from "normal"emotions.Most of the changes to your Personal life depend on the approach you take.Talk to other Combat Vet`s and have your Family talk to other People who share the experience

Answer 2

This all depends on your mental and psychological states as well as your support network. Some people are able to handle high stress situations with very little change in there character. Unfortunately most expierance some degree of adjustment. Your mental state will be key in determining how well you can handle this adjustment. The best thing you can do is beaware of how you are behaving and listen to what the people around you are saying. If someone tells you you have changed then nicely ask them to clarify how. The most common noticable change in returning vets from a comabt zone tends to be increased agressive behavior and a shorter fuse if you will. Most however adjust this to a socially acceptable level with in a period of time. I would advise you to avoid all mood altering drugs (including alchol) unless perscribed by a physician. If you find yourself having a difficult time seek counseling and possibly professional help. Do not minimize what you have gone through if in fact you have seen combat then you need to take this serious until you are comfortable. Furthermore people in your condition tend to withdraw and seclude themselves. This works in small steps and is good if you are feeling overwhelmed but continued isolation will not enable you to readjust.

Answer 3

Well, I would think it would. You might be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. Please see a doctor and a therapist before you get worse. You really need help and God bless you for protecting our country.

Answer 4

Depends, were you asking for someone else?

Answer 5

It already has..