Kevlar for the Mind: Redeployment: Ways to cope at first - Off Duty, Military Health and Fitness - Air Force Times

Kevlar for the Mind: Redeployment: Ways to cope at first

The recent drawdown of forces from Iraq is the largest the U.S. military has seen since the end of the Vietnam War — and tens of thousands of troops are negotiating the stressful and uncertain reintegration process with family, friends, work and life, in general.

For most, the process will move naturally with few problems. For some, however, the homecoming will have many obstacles and returning to “normal” will be challenging.

My next three columns will be dedicated to the different stages of redeployment: the first few days, the first 30 to 60 days, and the first six months. In each column, I will provide tips on how to handle the inevitable stress of coming home in hopes of easing the transition.

The first few days

The first few days home can be the most stressful. If your experience is like most, you will be shuffled back and forth to briefings, be asked questions about your mental and physical health, and stand in formations so that some military brass or other official can thank you for your service. You’ll also probably be suffering from jet lag, sleep deprivation and some degree of agitation as you eagerly wait to spend time with your family and sleep in your own bed.

Here’s what you can do:

• Remind yourself that the chaos will be over soon. Your superiors will relax once all the equipment is accounted for, and you will soon have the chance to spend time with your family, sleep in a real bed and eat at your favorite restaurants.

• Sleep when you can. Now is not the time to worry about a sleep schedule. Your system is out of balance and will take a little while to return to normal.

• Set boundaries. Many friends and family members will want to spend time with you, but there’s only so much of you to go around. Set priorities, and let everyone else know that you’ll visit with them soon.

• Don’t drink alcohol. Your tolerance for alcohol isn’t what it used to be. Pace yourself. You don’t want to spend your first night back home in jail.

• Let someone else drive. Road rage is a common problem for returning service members, particularly those who did a lot of driving while deployed in areas where “normal” rules of the road do not apply.

• Leave the weapons at home. You’re no longer in a war zone. There is no need to keep a weapon on your person or in your car. At this point, that can only create serious problems for you and others.

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Bret A. Moore is a clinical psychologist who served two tours in Iraq and is the author of “Wheels Down: Adjusting to Life after Deployment.” E-mail kevlarforthemind@militarytimes.com. Names and identifying details will be kept confidential. This column is for informational purposes only. Readers should see a mental health professional or physician for mental health problems.