Military families carry unique dissociation burdens — often invisible to civilian society but real and significant.
Dissociation Challenges Unique to Military Families
- Deployment separation: Repeated separations create attachment disruption and anxiety for all family members
- Reintegration: Return from deployment requires major readjustment, often triggering dissociation
- Frequent relocation: PCS moves disrupt social supports that protect against dissociation
- Secondary trauma: Living with a service member with PTSD or dissociation creates secondary psychological impact
Children in Military Families and Dissociation
Military children are resilient but face significant dissociation risks. School changes, parent absence, and exposure to parent's dissociation all require specific support.
Resources for Military Family Dissociation
Military OneSource, Military Family Life Counselors (MFLC), and installation behavioral health services provide free or low-cost dissociation support for military families.