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 Both
family members and the person who was deployed have great
expectations about homecoming. One expectation is that the
family will be exactly the same as it was before the
deployment. During separation, however, families naturally
change. Children have grown and spouses have taken on new
responsibilities. New friendships have been formed. The
returning service member has changed, as well. Healthy
transitions in the days and weeks following homecoming
include taking time to become reacquainted with each other,
as well as taking time and listening to each other to
re-establish trust, intimacy and openness.
During this
time of transition, family members may experience a range of
emotions including excitement and relief, and at times,
stress and tension. All of these emotions are a normal part
of family readjustment. Their spouse, husband, child or
loved one may seem distant, uninterested, or even overly
critical and impatient with others. These types of behaviors
may be best understood as combat stress reactions. At first,
these reactions may appear troublesome and difficult to deal
with.
Understand that
most combat stress reactions are not permanent. In many
cases, they will go away on their own. If problems do occur,
effective treatment is available. Remember, combat stress
reactions are like any other physical injury from war. The
following are some suggestions to show support for the
returning service member:
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Provide a safe and comfortable environment.
Do not force or challenge the service member
to communicate about his or her combat
experiences.
Be non-judgmental if the service member
chooses to share combat experiences.
Encourage the service member find support with
other returning military service members.
Learn about some of the possible stressors and
emotions the service member may have experienced
while
away from home.
Be supportive and respectful of the service
members need to adjust.
Be ready to learn and accept new skills or
tools for coping used by the service member.
Demonstrate your trust in the service members
role as a parent and support mutual decisions.
Most importantly, be genuine, loving,
supportive and assertive in expressing your own
needs and
expectations, rather than hide your needs &
emotions in an effort to protect the service
member or veteran. |
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Brain Injury
Assoc. of Ohio