How did your soldier changed after Iraq?

Question

How did your soldier changed after Iraq? I heard they change quite a bit, I just want to prepare myself for what kind of change I am expecting after my soldier comes back. Thanks everyone!

Answer 1

my friend just got back...and it is really hard for him to adjust he says that he feels like he belongs but doesnt belong at the same time...because he came back and so much had changed with all his friends and family...he knew things would be diffrent but when it starts to sink in its alot to handle....my best advice to you is to just listen...let him do most of the talking...and dont force him to talk if he doesnt want to but let him know its normal how ever hes feeling and its ok to seek help.....he may not feel it as soon as he gets home...it may take some time...but just be there for him

Answer 2

I think people ask them a lot of questions about things that are pretty personal and they may not want to talk about.  My husband says its offensive and irritating when someone is like "did you kill people?" or make other remarks that are not supportive.  

My husband didn't like the counseling that was required after through the military, but some sort of help getting their thoughts in order seems to be good.  I didn't know my hubby when he first came back (we met a little after), but he was lucky to live with a friend who had been there with him and had gone through the same things.  

Just give him space and tell him you're there for him whenever he needs anything - then also be supportive (even if it sucks) if he doesn't want to unload it on you - you cannot possibly know what its like without having gone through it.  My husband still has some nightmares and doesn't sleep well - not sure if its from being in war, but who knows.  

Show him lots of love and take him out for beer - they LOVE that!  Especially since they don't get to drink at all while they are there  :)  Also, support him when he wants to hang out with his friends that went too.  Hang in there!

Answer 3

Rather than subject yourself to the answers your going to get from

the bots and the malcontents. Your really better off, going to your

Military facility where you loved one is stationed. They have support

groups there. And People trained to give you creditable information.

Something as personal as this I would not want to be dealing with

on this type of forum.

Answer 4

My sis changed a bit after coming back from Afghanistan.

She had sudden mood swings sometimes, she drank more (which she's stopped), she became more co-dependent on people, well, she just overall changed a bit. But that was oh... three years ago and she's more back to her old self but just more mature and confident.  

Answer 5

he will come back dead as a zombie zombfried. and your be horrfried.

Answer 6

I would be able to tell you, but i lost my brother over there.

Answer 7

I find myself (my gf and friends say the same thing) more relaxed now.

Ex. Back then, if some guy cut in front of my car, I will try to cut the *ucker off; now, I just say *uck it and let it go. But I do find myself seeing many things negatively though.  

Answer 8

left a boy,came back a man!

Answer 9

They go crazy, Any little explosion or fire of any kind "DIE TERRORIST SCUM!" "KILL THAT MOTHER****" "MEDIC" ... Im serious...

Answer 10

attitude...but every1 is different...

Answer 11

I heard many are in a killer mode still it willl take them time to settle down, just hope no one cuts them offf in traffic or they hear gunfire by their house that may freak them out, they may become depressed and may not be able to hold a job anymore, they might end up on the street begging for money with a sign that says help an iraqi war veteran out