Overcoming Military Trauma

Trauma is common for military veterans, yet misconceptions surround its root causes and whom it affects. For many people, military trauma is synonymous with combat exposure, but among veterans it is far more complex, often stemming from aspects of the military experience beyond combat zones. Emotional damage can emerge from any number of sources within the service.

Sources of military trauma

While combat-related trauma is prevalent, other military experiences are also significant contributors to veterans’ mental health struggles. High-stress training scenarios, hypervigilance and an unyielding demand for discipline can lead to chronic stress, anxiety and trauma symptoms. Many veterans feel constant pressure to perform, sustain readiness and conform to a high-stakes environment where mistakes can have consequences. The hierarchical, stressful nature of military life, combined with physical and emotional demands, can add to anxiety, especially for service members who had been previously unaccustomed to such structured environments.

Approximately 11% to 20% of veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom have PTSD in a given year. For veterans who served in the Gulf War, that rate is about 12%, and for Vietnam veterans, it is about 30%. In addition to combat, these veterans frequently cite boot camp, prolonged separation from family, grueling schedules and exposure to challenging environments as causes of trauma. These sources of stress highlight the reality that trauma in the military is not limited to the battlefield and can be rooted within the military system and culture.

Stigma and the barriers to seeking help

A significant number of veterans struggle to seek the help they need. It’s estimated that only about half of veterans with PTSD or other mental health concerns seek treatment. Stigma surrounding mental health remains a barrier, particularly within military culture, where there is often an unspoken expectation that service members silently “tough it out.” For many, seeking help may feel incompatible with their sense of duty or strength. This culture of resilience, while beneficial in combat or survival situations, can inhibit veterans from recognizing and addressing their mental health challenges after returning home.

Working Toward Solutions

Overcoming military trauma requires both individual support and a broader cultural shift. There are efforts underway to make mental health care more accessible and to dismantle stigma within military circles. Expanded counseling services, telehealth and veteran-focused mental health programs are reaching veterans in need, helping them understand that it’s not only acceptable to seek help — it’s a brave and necessary step. Additionally, initiatives such as peer support groups, which allow veterans to connect with others who have shared experiences, are gaining momentum and acceptance.

Addressing military trauma in a more comprehensive way also calls for changing perceptions within the military itself. Service members and leaders must normalize mental health care, framing it as integral to their overall fitness and resilience. A veteran who reaches out for mental health care should be seen as someone prioritizing strength and preparedness, rather than as someone admitting to weakness.