The Final Countdown… A Guide for Parents

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Accepting and Sharing your Emotions. It is important to share what you are feeling. Your emotions are bound to surface if you keep all of your feeling locked up inside. It is important for your spouse to know if you are upset that they left, even if it was part of his/her duty. Many people have a hard time understanding the mission that our loved ones are sent to accomplish. When your spouse sees all of the changes related to his/her return home it can be difficult. They may feel guilty when wanting to go visit friends and family that they have not seen for awhile; however they must also understand that you have been alone and missed him/her as well. The worst thing to do is NOT to admit what you are experiencing. POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER Post-traumatic stress disorder is a defence system created by our system and it allows us to face intense situations that have a high level of stress. This mechanism is not a sign of weakness; it protects us. The symptoms are classified into three categories: Intrusion: Flash-backs, nightmares, and memories of a traumatic event. Avoidance: For example, a shell, the person appears to be numb and detached from his/her surroundings and life in general. Increased arousal: The person is on constant alert. It can visible if they are experiencing difficulty sleeping, concentrating, and feverishness. Upon your spouses return from a deployment, it is important to pay special attention to any changes in your spouse’s behaviour. However, you have to keep in mind that some of the changes that your spouse is experiencing are due to their readjustment to everyday life and not from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. After a few weeks if you are still noticing alarming behaviour do not hesitate to refer to the available resources in the appendix. This text is based on the document “Chaînon manquant” from the Centre de la famille Valcartier. 4
POSSIBLE REACTIONS BY A MILITARY MEMBER Extreme fatigue Isolation Sleep problems Irritability Feeling guilty towards you Exaggerated startled response or jumpiness Alcohol consumption or other substance abuse POSSIBLE REACTIONS FROM YOU You feel depressed You are having trouble sleeping or you want to sleep all the time Your appetite is changing You want to isolate yourself People around you tell you that you need help 5
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The Final Countdown… A Guide for Parents

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