Most partners find that their soldier's journey home from deployment to be far more challenging than they initially expected. While it can take time for both parties to adjust, reintegrating back into civilian life requires patience, understanding, and open communication. There are several key steps partners can take to help support their soldier throughout this process:
Understand that your soldier may experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which can make them feel uncomfortable, anxious, or even depressed. These symptoms can last long after the initial return home and impact daily functioning. Be patient and give them time to heal while providing emotional support without judgment or blame.
Avoid assuming that things will go back to normal quickly once the soldier returns. The transition to civilian life is often difficult and takes time. Recognize that progress may not be linear, and don't expect everything to magically resolve itself. Work together as a team to set realistic goals and milestones to reach towards.
Keep in mind that your soldier may need extra space and privacy during this period to process their experiences. Respect their boundaries and give them the opportunity to express themselves when they're ready. This could mean giving them time alone or offering non-judgmental listening sessions where you listen actively rather than trying to fix anything.
Fourth, seek professional help if necessary. PTSD affects millions of military personnel each year, so it's important to recognize when your loved one needs additional resources such as therapy or counseling. You can also consider couples counseling to work through any issues arising from deployment-related stressors.
Remember that maintaining emotional resilience requires effort from both parties involved. Take care of yourself by engaging in self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or journaling to reduce stress levels. And continue to communicate openly with each other about what you need in order to feel supported during this challenging time.
By working together, partners can sustain emotional resilience throughout the reintegration process despite its unpredictable nature. Remember that there's no perfect way to do this - everyone's journey is unique! With patience, understanding, and compassion, your relationship will emerge stronger on the other side.
How do partners sustain emotional resilience when soldiers' reintegration progress is nonlinear and affected by post-deployment trauma?
While transitioning from combat deployment back into civilian life may be challenging for both service members and their family, it can be particularly difficult for those who have experienced trauma during their time abroad. Post-deployment trauma symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD can make readjustment more complicated than expected. These symptoms may interfere with one's ability to communicate effectively, trust others, manage stress, and regulate emotions.