Why returning from war feels like a second trauma

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 20 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: For many veterans, the hardest part of war isn't just the battlefield—it is the return. Sebastian Junger argues that our modern, isolated society creates a profound sense of loss for soldiers who leave the intense tribal closeness of military service to enter an alienating and divided world.

Sebastian Junger suggests that PTSD in 21st-century veterans may be driven as much by social isolation as by direct combat. While fewer than 10% of soldiers experience direct combat, PTSD rates among veterans are nearly 25%. Junger posits that the trauma stems from the shock of moving from a high-solidarity environment—where differences in race, religion, and politics are often ignored for a shared mission—into a society characterized by contempt and lonely enclaves. This disconnect is exacerbated by a public that often remains disengaged from the specific conflicts soldiers fight. Junger highlights how people frequently express intense disdain for various social groups based on wealth or education. These fractured attitudes create an environment of mutual contempt.

The military provides what Junger calls 'primal human needs': loyalty, belonging, and a connection to something larger than the self. This mirrors historical human existence, from early nomadic life to 1700s Native American tribes. In contrast, modern Western society is described as being 'at war with itself,' forcing individuals into fractured social structures that rob them of these essential connections. This yearning for connection is a recurring theme in his work, including the book Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging. He draws parallels between modern military units and the tribal structures of our ancestors. These historical models provided a sense of security that contemporary life lacks.

Junger argues that the real crisis isn't just about 'saving the vets,' but about the unappealing nature of our current social fabric. He suggests that humanity relies on social solidarity to survive extraordinary historical moments. To address this, he advocates for finding ways to live in community through shared sacrifice, rather than retreating into the isolated enclaves that define contemporary life. Junger illustrates this loss through an anecdote about a Vietnam veteran who felt so disconnected from his own community that he sought connection in the land where he served. He also references a quote from Bosnia regarding the erosion of social solidarity. These stories underscore the desperate need for communal belonging.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• The complex legacy of those who leave the service
• The missing manual for returning from the battlefield
• Beyond the memes: understanding the lasting psychological trauma of the Vietnam War
• The psychological toll of war extends far beyond the front lines
• A sobering look at the hidden, long-term psychological toll of modern combat deployment
• Is your passion a source of strength or a form of self-imposed slavery?
• Is optimism a fixed personality trait or a skill you can actively cultivate?
• Why your brain struggles to wait and how evolution shaped your capacity for patience
• Why your personality might be written in your bookshelf and your political views
• Why human behavior often follows the same patterns as Pavlov's dogs
• Why the best years of your life might actually be your later ones
• Your brain treats imaginary conversations as real emotional experiences

More in Psychology · More in Ideas & Philosophy · Latest · A–Z · All topics