The Impact Of Long Deployments On Wives And Familiy Members

Specialist Kelli Roberts hugs her daughter, seven-year-old Kaylenn, upon return from her second tour as soldiers of the California National Guard's 1st Battalion, 185th Armored Regiment return from a yearlong combat tour in Iraq at March Air Reserve Base on August 11, 2009 near Moreno Valley, California. More than 800 National Guard soldiers are returning from the deployment statewide. They were augmenting the 81st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, based in Seattle, Washington.(August 10, 2009 - Photo by David McNew/Getty Images North America)

Soldiers' Wives: Fighting Mental, Emotional Battles Of Their Own -- Christian Science Monitor

A new study shows higher levels of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders among Army wives whose husbands have had lengthy deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. New programs aim to help, but there's a stigma in a professional culture that values toughness.

It’s always been true that when a soldier comes home, he brings the war back with him – emotionally, at least.

In the Civil War, the extreme of the phenomenon was called “soldier’s heart.” Today, it’s known less poetically and more clinically as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

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My Comment: Separation from love ones for prolonged periods of time is always hard on everyone .... wives, children, and family included.