Psychological Effects of Deployments on Military Families

Military spouses of a single Army Brigade Combat Team (BCT) who were enrolled in a family readiness group completed an online survey as their Service member (partner) prepared for deployment. The survey was designed to identify stressors, perceived barriers to mental health treatment, and levels of depression and stress occurring among spouses of about-to-be-deployed service members. Over 40% of spouses reported moderate or severe symptoms of depression, and a large majority reported willingness to seek mental health care if needed or if suggested by friends or family.