This page presents information specifically applicable to Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans and their loved ones.
Soldiers returning from the Iraq War and Afghanistan are showing a number of difficulties, including PTSD, alcohol and drug use, and depression. Learn about a recent study that examines rates of PTSD and use of mental health services among returning Iraq War service members.
Coming home from the Iraq War requires a major adjustment and can be a big source of stress. How are you coping with your return home? Share your experiences with other readers and veterans here.
Many returning OEF/OIF veterans, as well as their families, are exhibiting a number of psychological difficulties and may have some problems adjusting to the return home. OEF/OIF veterans, for example, have been shown to have high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, alcohol abuse, physical health problems, difficulties managing anger, and suicide. In addition, the families …
Studies have found that many female service members experience military sexual trauma or MST. However, less is known about the effects of MST among Iraq War veterans. This article presents findings of a study that looked at how MST affected readjustment among a group of women OEF/OIF veterans.
Reports indicate that there are high rates of suicide in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF) veterans. Learn more about risk for suicide among OEF/OIF veterans.
High rates of smoking have been found among military populations, such as Vietnam veterans. However, little is known about rates of smoking among veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Learn more about the rates of smoking in Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans.
It has been found that many Iraq War veterans are developing psychological difficulties as a result of their experiences in Iraq. Coming home from the Iraq War, however, can also be a major source of stress. The level of social support a veteran experiences from his or her family and community can have a major impact on a veteran's adaptation to being home.
Studies have shown that many Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are experiencing difficulties with PTSD, depression, alcohol use and anger. A recent study, though, also found that these veterans may also be at risk for a number of physical health problems.
Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans have been found to exhibit high rates of PTSD. The veterans with PTSD may also be at risk for problems with anger. Learn more about the connection between PTSD and anger among Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans here.
The Wounded Warriors Project is a nonprofit organization with the stated mission of "To raise the awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs."
The National Center for PTSD provides a handbook for families of returning veterans. The handbook provides important information on what families can expect, how to better communicate, how to identify potential signs of problems in their loved ones that need to be addressed (like PTSD), and resources for getting help. The handbook (in PDF format) can be downloaded for free.
Many soldiers are returning from the Iraq War showing signs of PTSD and other difficulties. However, what effect is the Iraq War having on the children of soldiers deployed in Iraq? Read about one study that examined the impact the war has had on the children of Iraq War soldiers.
OEF/OIF veterans have been found to be at risk for a number of mental and physical health problems, including the experience of pain. Learn more about the types of pain-related problems experienced among OEF/OIF veterans.
