Understanding the Weight of Service: How Military Life Impacts Families

Military service doesn’t just shape the individual in uniform—it transforms the entire family unit. The demands of active duty, deployment, and reintegration affect mental and emotional health in deep, lasting ways. Here’s what the research tells us—and how we can respond.

Service Members: More Than Just PTSD

While Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) receives widespread attention, transition stress is also a major concern. Loss of identity decreased sense of purpose, and strained relationships are common.

  • over 60% of post-9/11 veterans have reported difficulty adjusting to civilian life, compared to 25% of veterans from earlier eras.
  • Unemployment, underemployment, and lack of structure often contribute to emotional distress.

Reference: Transition from Military Service: Mental Health and Well-being Among Service Members and Veterans with Service-connected Disabilities – PMC

Spouses: The Backbone of the Household

Military spouses face frequent relocations, long-term separations, and disruptions to their careers.

  • According to the U.S. Department of Defense, military families move every 2.5 years on average.
  • The military spouse unemployment rate hovers around 22% with an increase to 38% due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly higher than the national average at 4.2%.
  • Constant change can lead to social isolation and elevated stress levels.

References:

Children: Silent Responders to Service

Children in military families often experience emotional stress, especially during deployments.

  • Parental deployment is also associated with increased behavioral (18%) and stress (19%) disorders among military children ages 3–8 years.
  • Separation from a parent, changes in schools, and adapting to new routines can affect academic performance and emotional development.
  • Adolescents may experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and acting out.

Reference: Behavioral Health Service Use by Military Children during Afghanistan and Iraq Wars – PMC

Why This Matters

These challenges are not signs of weakness—they are natural reactions to an intense, demanding lifestyle. By understanding the full scope of what military families face, we can begin to support them better—through community engagement, practical assistance, and awareness.

What You Can Do

  • Stay informed about the psychological and social impacts of military life.
  • Support military families by offering friendship, stability, and understanding.
  • Advocate for policies that provide resources, flexibility, and job opportunities for spouses and veterans.
  • Normalize mental wellness and open conversations around transition, grief, and identity.

We’re Here for You

We are trained to work with military families—offering trauma-informed care, relationship support, and practical strategies to help navigate every stage of military life. Whether you’re in uniform, supporting someone who is, or adjusting to life after service, you don’t have to face it alone.