Introduction
The United States’ involvement in foreign wars has historically come at a great cost—not only in terms of finances and military casualties but also in terms of the psychological impact on its citizens. Ongoing conflicts such as those between Russia and Ukraine, as well as Israel and Gaza, place a mental burden on both military personnel and the general public. The U.S. government’s role in these wars contributes to stress, anxiety, and a growing sense of hopelessness among Americans, particularly veterans, military families, and those who feel powerless to influence foreign policy.
This article explores the psychological toll of America’s involvement in endless wars and argues for policies that prioritize national stability, mental health, and the well-being of its citizens.
The Psychological Burden on Military Personnel and Veterans
American soldiers and veterans bear the brunt of prolonged military engagements. Research indicates that repeated deployments and exposure to combat environments increase the likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and suicide.
- PTSD Prevalence: According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), about 20% of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from PTSD【1】.
- Suicide Rates: A 2021 VA report found that veteran suicide rates are 50% higher than non-veterans, with nearly 17 veterans dying by suicide daily【2】.
- Moral Injury: Many soldiers experience moral injury—a deep psychological distress resulting from actions taken during war that conflict with their personal values【3】.
Case Study: A former Marine who served multiple deployments in the Middle East reported struggling with severe depression and suicidal thoughts after witnessing civilian casualties. Despite seeking help, he felt that society had moved on while he remained mentally trapped in the horrors of war【4】.
The continued funding of foreign wars without clear objectives prolongs this suffering, keeping veterans in a cycle of trauma and disillusionment.
The Impact on Military Families
The families of deployed soldiers also experience significant psychological distress, including:
- Increased Anxiety: Spouses of deployed military personnel report higher rates of anxiety and depression【5】.
- Childhood Trauma: Children of service members who experience prolonged deployments are more likely to suffer from emotional and behavioral issues【6】.
- Marital Strain: Military families have higher divorce rates compared to civilian families, largely due to long separations and emotional strain【7】.
Continuous U.S. involvement in conflicts contributes to a never-ending cycle of stress for military families. This raises ethical questions about the government’s responsibility to protect the well-being of its service members and their loved ones.
Public Anxiety and Mental Health Consequences
The mental health effects of prolonged wars are not limited to soldiers and their families. The general public also experiences psychological distress due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
1. Increased Political and Social Anxiety
Americans are bombarded with news of war, terrorism, and international instability. Studies have shown that constant exposure to war-related media contributes to heightened anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness【8】.
- A 2022 study found that individuals who consume high levels of war-related news experience greater psychological distress than those who limit exposure【9】.
- Increased political division over U.S. military interventions has led to worsening social cohesion and national unity【10】.
2. Economic Anxiety Due to War Spending
Endless wars drain American taxpayers. The U.S. has spent over $8 trillion on post-9/11 conflicts, diverting resources from critical domestic needs such as healthcare, infrastructure, and education【11】.
- National Debt and Inflation: Increased government spending on war contributes to rising national debt, which can lead to inflation, worsening economic insecurity for working-class Americans【12】.
- Job Market Uncertainty: Military spending often prioritizes defense contractors over investments that benefit the average American, leading to economic anxiety【13】.
Economic uncertainty directly impacts mental health, with studies linking financial stress to depression, substance abuse, and even suicide【14】.
How Prolonged Foreign Conflicts Harm National Mental Health
1. Erosion of Trust in Government
A growing percentage of Americans believe that foreign wars are wasteful, unnecessary, and damaging to the nation’s well-being. A 2023 poll found that over 65% of Americans oppose continued U.S. involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict【15】. When citizens feel their voices are ignored, they may experience:
- Increased cynicism and political disengagement.
- A sense of powerlessness, leading to anxiety and depression.
- Resentment toward political leaders and institutions.
2. Social Division and Psychological Polarization
Foreign conflicts often deepen ideological divides within the U.S., as people take opposing stances on military interventions. Political polarization is linked to:
- Higher stress levels and increased mental health issues.
- Deterioration of relationships between friends and family over political disagreements.
- A loss of community trust and national unity【16】.
3. Compassion Fatigue and Emotional Numbness
Decades of foreign wars have led to compassion fatigue, where Americans become emotionally exhausted and detached from suffering. This detachment can have widespread consequences, including:
- Reduced empathy for veterans and military families.
- Weakened public engagement in meaningful policy discussions.
- Increased nihilism and a sense that efforts to change the system are futile.
Policy Solutions: Prioritizing Mental Health and National Well-Being
To improve mental health outcomes, the U.S. must adopt policies that prioritize national stability and psychological well-being. This includes:
1. Ending Endless Wars
- The U.S. should cease involvement in conflicts where there is no direct national security threat.
- Military resources should be redirected toward defending U.S. borders and addressing domestic security issues.
2. Investing in Veteran and Military Family Mental Health
- Expand PTSD treatment programs for veterans.
- Provide financial and psychological support for military families.
- Create reintegration programs that help veterans transition into civilian life.
3. Redirecting Military Spending to Domestic Mental Health and Economic Stability
- Increase mental health funding for all Americans, not just veterans.
- Invest in job creation and infrastructure to ensure economic stability.
- Reduce defense contractor spending and focus on rebuilding American industry.
4. Reducing War-Driven Media Fearmongering
- Encourage responsible journalism that does not sensationalize war.
- Promote mental health resources to help people cope with war-related stress.
Conclusion
The endless cycle of U.S. involvement in foreign wars has taken an undeniable toll on the mental health of military personnel, their families, and the general public. PTSD, anxiety, financial stress, and societal division are just a few of the consequences Americans face as a result of prolonged conflict.
By prioritizing mental well-being over military adventurism, the U.S. can foster a healthier, more stable society. It is time to refocus on national healing and prosperity rather than perpetual warfare.
Academic and Clinical References
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (2021). “PTSD Rates Among Iraq and Afghanistan War Veterans.”
- VA (2021). “Annual Veteran Suicide Prevention Report.”
- Maguen, S., & Litz, B. T. (2018). “Moral Injury in Military Veterans,” Clinical Psychology Review.
- Hoge, C. W. (2019). “The War Within: Combat Trauma and Mental Health,” New England Journal of Medicine.
- Blow, A. J., et al. (2017). “Military Family Stress and Deployment,” Journal of Family Psychology.
- Cramm, H. (2020). “Children of Deployed Military Personnel: A Review,” Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
- Karney, B. (2019). “Military Divorce Rates and Psychological Stress,” Armed Forces & Society.