For Families
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Source: Ted Pring and Lorna Geggis
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Taking Care of Yourself: How can I take care of myself while supporting my service member after deployment?
Military deployments are emotionally and physically demanding. The experiences of living in high-stress combat environments can continue to affect service members as they return home. They may have trouble adjusting to living in a comfortable, relaxed and loving environment. Additionally, you may notice your family member feeling and acting differently than he or she did before deploying. These feelings are likely to be temporary, although these reactions might not disappear the moment your family member returns home. Your service member may need your support to help him or her adjust to living and feeling at home again.
Families and friends of returning service members provide the majority of support for both physical and emotional wounds. Live-in family members such as spouses, parents or children may take on more responsibility simply because they are more available and accessible to offer help. Whatever your role may be, it is important to remember your own psychological and physical wellness.