The Hidden Health Impacts of Service: Understanding Stress and Its Long-Term Effects
Serving in the Defence Force shapes you in ways most people will never fully understand. The discipline, resilience, and sense of purpose stay with you for life. But so can the stress. What many people don’t realise is that long-term stress can have a deeper impact on Veteran health than we often talk about. For many Veterans, the stress, hypervigilance and responsibility required during service can echo long after transitioning into civilian life.
In this blog, we’ll explore what chronic stress does to the body, the stress signs worth paying attention to, and how you can begin to rebuild balance and regulation in your nervous system.
Disclaimer: The information shared within this article is not a replacement for professional help. If you, or someone you know, is in a crisis, please reach out to one of the 24/7 helplines listed below:
– Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
– Lifeline: 13 11 14
– Open Arms: 1800-011-046
Stress and Veteran Health: What’s Happening in the Body?
Firstly, stress isn’t “just mental.” It’s a full-body experience that can affect your sleep, digestion, mood, immune system, and long-term well-being.
During service, your body learns to operate under pressure. High alertness and fast decision-making become second nature. But when this state is active for years (not minutes), it can influence your health long after the stressful event has passed.
Chronic stress can impact:
- Sleep and energy levels
- Appetite and digestive health
- Heart rate and blood pressure
- Immune function
- Emotional regulation
- Concentration, decision-making, and memory
When we look at Veteran health, it’s clear that long-term stress is a major factor that deserves more awareness — and more compassion.
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Common Stress Signs Veterans Should Watch For
Stress doesn’t always appear as “stress.” It often shows up in small, subtle ways first. Recognising these stress signs early is one of the most important things you can do to support your health.
You may notice:
- Feeling tired even after sleep
- Irritability, frustration or emotional intensity
- Trouble concentrating or feeling “foggy”
- Being easily startled or sensitive to noise
- Muscle tension in your shoulders, jaw or back
- Digestive issues or changes in appetite
- Feeling numb, flat or disconnected
- Withdrawing from people or routines
- Difficulty switching off or relaxing
- Disrupted sleep or vivid dreams
It’s important to note that these are not signs of weakness — they’re signs your nervous system needs rest, support and time to recalibrate.
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Why Stress Accumulates After Service
Many Veterans describe realising (often years later) that their body never fully left “service mode.” This is one of the most overlooked aspects of Veteran health.
1. The nervous system learned to stay on alert
Hypervigilance becomes ingrained, making it difficult to relax even in safe environments.
2. The stress system didn’t reset after discharge
Long-term activation can keep the body’s nervous system in “survival mode.”
3. You handled a lot on your own
Strength sometimes meant silence — and silence can hold stress in place.
4. Trauma or cumulative stress leaves an imprint
Even when memories fade, the nervous system can stay reactive.
These experiences are not only common; they’re a part of being human too.
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The Ripple Effect: How Long-Term Stress Impacts Veteran Health
Over time, chronic stress can contribute to:
- Anxiety or depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Chronic pain
- Immune or inflammatory conditions
- Emotional reactivity
- Fatigue and burnout
- Cardiovascular strain
The good news is that this does not mean the situation is unchangeable. The nervous system is adaptable, and healing is possible — often through small, consistent practices.
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Practical Ways Veterans Can Rebuild Balance
You don’t need dramatic changes. Gentle, consistent steps can strengthen your nervous system, reduce stress and support long-term health.
1. Slow, intentional breathing
Deep breathing signals safety to the body and helps downregulate stress.
(All Body & Mind programs include premium access to Calm, which offers breathing exercises designed specifically for stress relief.)
2. Gentle movement
Walking, stretching, or mindful movement can help release tension and reset your stress response.
3. Connection with people who understand
Sharing your experience with someone who gets it can help reduce emotional load. Consider reaching out to a fellow Veteran, mental health practitioner or trusted friend.
4. Real rest (not just sleep)
Rest includes quiet moments, downtime, sensory breaks and time outdoors. These forms of rest are essential for nervous system recovery.
5. Mindfulness and grounding
Returning to the present moment helps shift the nervous system out of hypervigilance.
6. Professional support
Working with a trauma-informed practitioner can help you understand your stress patterns and strengthen long-term resilience.
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Final Thoughts
The hidden health impacts of service are real, and they affect far more Veterans than most people realise. If you’re noticing stress signs showing up in your daily life, it doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means your body has been doing its best with the tools it had.
With the right support, awareness and small daily practices, your nervous system can learn a new way of being — one that feels steadier, safer and more grounded.
At Body & Mind Online, our Telehealth programs for Veterans are designed to support this kind of long-term recovery. Each program includes complimentary premium access to the #1 Mindfulness App, Calm — providing you with 24/7 access to guided breathing, meditation and sleep support as part of your daily routine. Learn more about our Veterans program here.