War, as the saying goes, is hell. But for many who’ve served, the real battle begins when they return home. Welcome to another deep dive here at SOFREP, where we peel back the layers of romanticized heroism to reveal the raw, unvarnished truth about war and its aftermath on warfighters.

Impact of War on the Physical and Mental Health of Service Members

War profoundly impacts the physical and mental health of service members who put themselves in harm’s way to defend our nation. It’s no secret that the trauma of war can take a heavy toll on the mind and bodies of those serving in our armed forces. From PTSD and depression to combat injuries and chronic pain, the impact of war on the health and well-being of our service members is undeniable.

One of the most significant challenges facing our military veterans today is the prevalence of psychological disorders such as PTSD. According to a study by the National Center for PTSD, approximately 15.7% of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan have PTSD. The condition can manifest in various ways, from hypervigilance and nightmares to flashbacks and intrusive thoughts. It can have a profound impact on a person’s quality of life.