Petawawa Military Family Resource Centre
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/711198
YOU SHOULD KNOW... Members may be deployed and return quite frequently some time for short periods. The post-deployment reintegration phase may only be for a day or two and with this being said it can be difficult to adjust for both all members of the family. It is important to remember that the key is communication. During the cycles of deployment one may experience different elements of each phase at different periods and this is normal. If you ever feel the need for assistance with coping, contact your local Military Family Resource Center and they will get you into contact with individuals who will be able to assist you. CYCLES OF DEPLOYMENT POST DEPLOYMENT PHASE STAGE COMMON REACTIONS COPING STRATEGIES First 6 weeks home: Renegotiations of Relationships: A necessary time to refocus the relationship 6 to 12 weeks after the return: Reintegration and Stabilization New routines become stabilized - Difficulty re-establishing emotional and sexual intimacy - Feelings of excitement, disorganization, resentment, frustration - Grieving loss of freedom and independence - Feelings of intimacy, closeness, confidence in the relationship - Communicate as openly and as honestly as possible - Accept feelings as normal and not a threat to the relationship - Be patient - Renegotiate household roles and responsibilities to share the work load - Celebrate together the personal growth each has achieved - Continue to participate in a support group/network - Seek professional counselling, contact doctor, chaplain or social worker for assistance in coping with stress - Both partners should be aware of the signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and formerly deployed member should be encouraged to speak to professional help if appropriate - Remember to follow through on promises made during the deployment - Spend time relaxing and enjoying time together as a family - Share lessons learned - Identify what worked well in the panning and what could be improved in the event of the next deployment