There is a multitude of works dealing with shell shock and families (as well as civilians and nurses) published in Canada, America and Britain. This is especially so in recent decades as gendered and social histories have come to prominence. This is in addition to a number of works published as centennial recognitions of the First World War in 2018.

Basically when dealing with shell shock it depended on severity. It wasn’t necessarily seen as a long term mental illness, rather a short time side effect that could be eliminated by time or giving the soldiers purpose (something that would change once more recognition and understanding of mental health and PTSD were recognized). Due to the patriarchal nature of society and the reinforcing stereotypes of masculinity, many men suffered in silence and/or found other coping mechanisms. This often led to alcoholism, domestic violence, change in personality (sullen, mute, withdrawn) and even suicide. All of which had a severe impact on families.

Though a large number of women and children entered the workforce during the war to supplement or replace the lost wages of husband, brothers and fathers it was still outside the norm for women to work in industry that could provide a living wage for their families. When men returned home shell shocked they often had difficulties finding work leading to even more familial strain. Divorce was not an option for a majority of women forcing them to remain in strained marriages.

There was also a problem when it came to quickie weddings which occurred after only knowing someone for a short period of time and wanting to marry before they shipped out. Disillusioned wives had husbands who they did not recognize due to the mental and physical impacts of war return home as strangers.

Again, there is a TON of literature with different examples depending on how bad the illness was. Try looking for works on reintegration after the war, or social impacts of war on families and the home front.