What impact does stress have on service members’ health?

Chronic stress has significant implications for service members' health, making it a crucial aspect to understand. When stress becomes chronic, it can lead to various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These conditions can adversely affect not only an individual's emotional well-being but also their cognitive functions, decision-making abilities, and overall performance.

Furthermore, the physiological responses to stress, such as elevated cortisol levels, can lead to detrimental long-term health outcomes including heart disease, weakened immune response, and other chronic health conditions. This underscores the importance of managing stress effectively to maintain not only mental health but overall physical health and operational readiness among service members.