Thousands of soldiers returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan grapple with deployment- and combat-related stress and tramautic brain injury (TBI).

According to the 2008 RAND Corporation study “The Invisible Wounds of War,” of the 1.64 million service members who have been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, nearly one in five currently suffers from depression or stress disorders, including deployment- and combat-related stress. In addition, nearly 20 percent of veterans who served in these ongoing conflicts experienced a concussion or other traumatic brain injury during their tours of duty.

These disorders are complex, highly individualized and difficult for the many people who are affected. Families of veterans suffering from deployment- and combat-related stress or TBI often need support and guidance as they seek ways to understand and reconnect with someone who has returned from the war with experiences, memories and visions that may have left a deep and lasting imprint.

Many veterans struggle with the stigma associated with disorders caused by the emotional stress and trauma of their battlefield experiences. While such psychological anxiety and distress may not be as obvious as the physical wounds of war, the scars are just as painful and deep. And these stress-related disorders require attention and treatment by a team of providers who are familiar with and experienced with the complexities and nuances of deployment- and combat-related stress and TBI.

Through a range of activities and events, the Home Base Program will inform and educate the community about deployment- and combat-related stress and TBI to help erase the unfortunate stigma of the disorders and encourage those who need help to get support and care.

Deployment- and Combat-Related Stress Disorders

Deployment- or combat-related stress is a debilitating condition that often follows a terrifying physical or emotional event that causes the person who survived the event to have persistent, frightening thoughts and memories, or flashbacks, of the ordeal. Examples of events that can trigger deployment- and combat-related stress are serious accidents, natural disasters, man-made tragedies, violent personal attacks and military combat.

First brought to public attention by war veterans and once referred to as "shell shock" or "battle fatigue,” deployment- and combat-related stress often is described as making an individual feel chronically emotionally numb. People with deployment- and combat-related stress experience extreme emotional, mental, and physical distress when exposed to situations that remind them of the traumatic event. Some may repeatedly relive the trauma in the form of nightmares and disturbing recollections during the day. Other common symptoms of deployment- and combat-related stress are sleep problems, irritability, violent outbursts, difficulty working or socializing, depression, lack of interest in activities, difficulty showing affection.

Many people with deployment- and combat-related stress respond well to treatment. Specific treatments are based on age, overall health, medical history, extent of the disease, personal opinions and preferences and expectations for the course of the disorder. Treatment generally consists of ongoing counseling and support for the individual and the family, medication to relieve or eliminate specific symptoms and various other techniques and therapies, including some promising treatments that are currently under investigation.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injury occurs when the brain is physically injured, usually by a sudden force. With military members, such an injury may result from the force associated with a blast or explosion.

TBIs can also be caused by falls, motor vehicle accidents, assaults or any sudden blow to the head. The force may cause the brain to jolt backward and forward, hitting the skull and causing damage to the internal lining, tissues and blood vessels. This damage can result in internal bleeding, bruising or swelling of the brain. Because the damage is internal, there may be no visible head wound. TBI can range from mild to severe, depending on the circumstances of the injury. Some people who experience a TBI can recover completely without medical intervention. Others who experience a severe TBI may have permanent disability.

Any brain injury, whether mild, moderate, or severe, can temporarily or permanently diminish a person’s physical abilities, including motor function; impair thinking abilities, including memory and reasoning; affect sensation, including touch, taste and smell; interfere with emotional and behavioral well being; and impede language and communication abilities. It is important for anyone who may have a TBI to be evaluated by a physician at the earliest possible opportunity.