Reunion and Reintegration
The reunion, the return home after a deployment, seems to receive the most thought but the least preparation; as the Member is preparing to return to the home station so too must the family for their arrival. The homecoming of your loved one, like the initial deployment, will more than likely be another time of mixed emotions. The best transition is made when both the family and the military member have taken the time to consider the many changes that may have occurred during the separation, as well as the expectations they may have of their loved one and their relationship upon their return.
Below is a list of some general coping strategies that may assist you with the transition.
- Communicate often and honestly
- Accept feelings as normal and not threat to the relationship
- Try to be patient with partner, yourself and your children
- Renegotiate household roles and responsibilities
- Utilize support groups or agencies
- Seek professional support for assistance with stress management
- Be aware of the signs of PTSD (See resource section)
- Follow through with promises made during deployment
- Relax and enjoy your life and family
- Share what you have learned with others
- Identify what worked well in your planning and what could be improved for the next absence or deployment
Operational Stress Injuries
Another consideration that you need to make during this time is education about Operational Stress Injuries. Just like any other condition, early intervention and treatment can be very important, but education is important even if we never expect for it to happen. We all know some of the signs and symptoms of Diabetes, even though we don't have it ourselves!
Here is some general information regarding stress injuries, traumatic events and common symptoms.
What is an Operational Stress Injury?
An operational stress injury (OSI) is any persistent psychological difficulty resulting from operational duties performed while serving in the Canadian Forces (CF) or as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
It is used to describe a broad range of problems which include diagnosed medical conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as other conditions that may be less severe, but still interfere with daily functioning. The symptoms and the injuries themselves vary according to the individual and nature of their experience. It is normal to experience some form of distress after being exposed to a traumatic event.
Fortunately, help is available for those struggling with an OSI. The earlier help is sought, the better the rate of recovery.
What is a Traumatic Event?
"Trauma" is different for everyone, but there are a number of events that can cause significant distress. These include, but are not limited to:
- threat of death;
- serious injury;
- viewing or handling of bodies;
- death or serious injury of a close friend, colleague or family member;
- exposure to a potentially contagious disease or toxic agent; and
- an action or inaction resulting in serious injury or death for others.
What are Common Reactions?
Most people experience strong reactions after traumatic events which may include:
- feelings of panic or anxiety;
- a desire to avoid anything attached to the event;
- feeling sad, tearful, hopeless, depressed, angry and/or guilty;
- increased consumption of alcohol or abuse of other substances;
- a change in personality;
- difficulties concentrating, disorientation and/or memory problems;
- sleep disturbances or excessive alertness;
- being easily startled;
- trouble controlling moods;
- difficulties with relationships;
- painfully reliving the event (while awake or asleep); and
- intrusive thoughts about the event.
Often these reactions resolve themselves or go away soon after the event. However, at times they may continue.
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