What Mental Health Disorders Do Military Children Struggle With

February 20, 2025

A father in a military uniform smiles while spending time outdoors with his family.

Children in military families face unique challenges that can significantly impact their mental health. The life of a military child is often characterized by frequent relocations, prolonged separations from parents due to deployments and the stress of adjusting to new schools and communities. These factors can contribute to the development of various mental health disorders.

Common Mental Health Disorders in Military Children

Military children are at risk for several mental health disorders, often as a result of the stressors associated with military life. Common mental health disorders in military children include:

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health issues in military children. These disorders can manifest as generalized anxiety, social anxiety or specific phobias. The constant uncertainty and the fear of losing a parent during deployment can exacerbate feelings of anxiety.

Symptoms of anxiety in military children may include:

Excessive worrying
Restlessness
Difficulty concentrating

Depression

Depression is another common disorder among military children. The frequent disruptions in their lives, coupled with the emotional strain of parental absence, can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness and a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed. Depression can affect their academic performance and social interactions, making it important to address these issues early.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

While PTSD is more commonly associated with combat veterans, military children can also experience this disorder. Exposure to traumatic events, such as a parent’s injury or death, can trigger PTSD.

Symptoms of PTSD in military children may include:

Flashbacks
Nightmares
Severe anxiety
Social withdrawal

Adjustment disorders

Adjustment disorders occur when a child struggles to cope with a significant life change, such as moving to a new location or dealing with a parent’s deployment. These disorders can lead to emotional and behavioral symptoms, including anxiety, depression and conduct issues. Timely support can help military children adapt more smoothly to these transitions.

Military Families Treatment Services

Importance of Mental Health in Military Families

The mental health of military children is not just an individual concern; it has broader implications for military families and communities. When children struggle, it affects family dynamics and can add stress to an already challenging lifestyle. Supporting military children’s mental health is therefore key for building resilient families and ensuring that parents can focus on their duties without the added worry of their child’s well-being.

Impact on academic and social life

Military children’s mental health significantly impacts their academic performance and social interactions. Frequent relocations can disrupt their education, leading to gaps in learning and difficulty forming lasting friendships. Mental health support can help mitigate these challenges, allowing children to thrive academically and socially despite the instability of military life.

Long-term consequences

Ignoring mental health issues in military children can have long-term consequences, including chronic mental health disorders and difficulties in adulthood. Early intervention and appropriate treatment are essential for preventing these outcomes and promoting healthy development.

Mental Health Treatment for Military Children

Addressing the mental health needs of military children often requires a holistic approach of different interventions. Some effective strategies and treatment options for military children include:

Counseling and therapy

Individual and group therapy can provide military children with a safe space to express their feelings and develop coping strategies. Therapeutic interventions such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are also particularly effective in treating military children.

Family Therapy

Family therapy can be beneficial in addressing the dynamics that contribute to a child’s mental health issues. It encourages open communication and helps families develop strategies to support each other during challenging times.

Support Groups

Connecting with peers who share similar experiences can be incredibly beneficial for military children. Support groups offer a sense of community and belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and providing an opportunity to share coping strategies.

Get Help Now

Mental Health Services for Military Families

Several resources are available to support the mental health of military families. These services can help families navigate the complexities of military life and access the care they need.

Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs)

MFLCs provide confidential, non-medical counseling to military families. They can address a range of issues, including stress, relationship challenges, and deployment-related concerns, offering support and guidance to military children and their families.

TRICARE®

TRICARE®, the healthcare program for military families, covers mental health services, including therapy and counseling. It provides access to a network of mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by military families.

Operation Homefront

Operation Homefront offers support to military families through financial assistance, transitional housing programs and caregiver support. Their programs aim to alleviate some of the stressors associated with military life, indirectly supporting children’s mental health.

A Place To Grow And Heal For Military Children

Military children face unique challenges that can significantly impact their mental health. Supporting their mental health not only benefits the individual child but also strengthens military families and communities as a whole.

Columbus Behavioral Health Center, located in Columbus, Indiana, provides military family treatment services for children ages 8-17 who need help taking positive steps forward in their mental health.

If you’d like to learn more about our mental health services for military families, do not hesitate to reach out by completing our contact form or giving us a call at 812-376-1711.