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Soldiers' deployments may affect children's health

By Staff Writer

Deployment and engaging in combat can not only cause trauma to a soldier, but their families as well. When a parent is away for an extended period of time, young children may be affected by the absence of a role model in their lives.

A study conducted by the Rand Corporation followed more than 1,100 military families for a year in 2008 to determine the effects of deployment, according to the News Observer. Almost one-third of the children who lived without a guardian who had been stationed away from their families suffered from anxiety. Nationally, only 19 percent of children experience anxiety These kids also showed behavior issues.

Children told researchers that they felt that their stress increased with the additional responsibilities they were given once a parent was deployed. Many kids also felt misunderstood and disconnected from their parents when they returned home. Mood swings have been cited for the strain put on relationships between veterans and their children.

Approximately half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin at age 14, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Therapy and medication may be able to help children who are suffering from anxiety.  

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