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Navigating Reunion: Understanding Stressors and Coping Strategies

Returning from deployment can bring unique stressors to soldiers and their families. This guide helps understand common reactions, danger signs, and coping strategies for a successful reunion. Learn when to seek professional help and positive ways to navigate change together. Emphasizing communication, this resource offers practical advice to support soldiers and loved ones during this transition period.

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Navigating Reunion: Understanding Stressors and Coping Strategies

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  1. Reunion – It’s a Process not an event. COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS

  2. WHY IS TALKING ABOUT REUNION IMPORTANT? Reunion – It’s a Process not an event.

  3. HONEY, I’M HOME! And What A Great Time It Will Be!

  4. REUNION EXPECTATIONS Mine! Yours! Ours!

  5. THERE MAY BE A HONEYMOON PERIOD FOR A WHILE!

  6. AS THE RETURNING SOLDIER YOU MAY BE WONDERING ……

  7. SPOUSE OR LOVED ONE MAY WONDER…

  8. Crisis or Threat Avoidance Denial Blaming others Fear Hidden Opportunity Acknowledgement Action Personal Responsibility Face it – it’s constant EXPECTATIONS OF CHANGE

  9. WE ALL HAD STRESSORS Soldier Focused on mission downrange Family members had the day-to-day tasks plus added tasks and roles! DIFFERENT TYPES OF STRESS HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCED BY THE SOLDIERS AND THEIR LOVED ONES

  10. COMBAT OPERATIONAL STRESS Changing roles and environments Normal reactions to abnormal experiences Most soldiers will experience one or more of the reactions that we will discuss These normal reactions may feel uncomfortable but, in most cases, are not a cause for concern Typically, the “common reactions” stop after 6 – 8 weeks, but no set timetable

  11. COMMON REACTIONS Difficulty talking about deployment experiences Difficulty readjusting to family routines Difficulty reconnecting with children and spouse Discomfort being around other people

  12. Physical Behavioral Emotional When to seek professional help STRESS DANGER SIGNALS

  13. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DISTRESS PHYSICAL Sleeping patterns Eating Habits Pounding Heart Bowel problems Dizziness Stomach problems Headaches ~ Migraines

  14. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DISTRESS BEHAVIORAL Poor concentration Difficulty making decisions Memory Loss Intrusive Thoughts Flashbacks Nightmares

  15. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DISTRESS EMOTIONAL Frustrated, irritable, angry Worried, anxious, keyed up Depressed Guilty, ashamed Numb

  16. Talk of suicide or killing someone Relationship problems Drug or Alcohol Problems Bizarre or unusual behavior Soldiers in trouble (Art-15, UCMJ) Soldiers with financial problems OTHER WARNING SIGNS

  17. POSITIVE STRATEGIES FOR COPING WITH CHANGE REUNION ~ it’s a process ~ not an event!

  18. “POSITIVE” COPING STRATEGIES Take time – go slow! Recognize Accomplishments How we have grown! Think of the positive Talk about…feelings Volunteer This may take a bit, but it’s worth it! Travel

  19. “NEGATIVE” COPING STRATEGIES • Blame and Finger Pointing • Drugs and Alcohol • Meaningless sexual encounters • Isolation • What others can you think of?

  20. “NEGATIVE” COPING STRATEGIES Flaunting strength Sexual assaults Dangerous or reckless activity

  21. Normal reactions to abnormal situations. Symptoms will likely go away. Seek help if the symptoms: Interfere with normal duties and/or daily living for more than 6-8 weeks. Involves dangerous behavior WHEN TO GET HELP

  22. WHERE TO GET HELP Chaplains Community Health Nurses Peers Supervisor Army One Source Army Community Service Chain of Command Social Work Service Medic/PA Medical personnel Veterans Administration • County and state health department and social service agencies stateside Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program

  23. ANYONE NEED A BREAK? Actors wanted!!!

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