Four County Mental Health Center, Inc.  Serving Chautauqua, Elk, Montgomery and Wilson County, Kansas

 "Four County Mental Health Center  is dedicated to providing  accessible, innovative services in partnership with individuals, families and our communities."

Families with loved ones at war or those that may be adjusting into a routine after returning from a conflict face many challenges. If you feel overwhelmed by your homecoming, seek help.  It’s not a sign of weakness.  Nearly every military installation has a Family Service Center, Family Support Center or Army Community Service Center where you can access information, referral, counseling and crisis intervention services. In addition, all military families, including those of National Guard and Reserve members, who are activated for more than 30 days, are eligible for medical and mental health care either at a Military Medical Treatment Facility or at a civilian facility through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services.

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As conflicts take our loved ones away from their families, each member of the family may experience varying amounts of grief and fear.  Nobody is unaffected by war.  In military families, however, there is the added fear for the safety of loved ones who may be or already have been deployed, as well as the potential challenges of coping as a single parent. 
    Be optimistic about the challenges ahead.  Try to maintain a positive outlook.  Remember that our nation has survived other difficult times.  Stay in touch with your spirituality, if you find it comforting.        
     Talk with others, particularly other military families, to help you relieve stress and realize that other people share your feelings.    

    Returning from war means the embrace of family and friends, and resuming everyday life. Here are some tips to help you through this time of transition:

  1. Realize the reunion is more than just coming home.  It’s a major event for the people in your life -- maybe even bigger than the separation.  In fact, research shows that reunion can cause more stress in people’s lives than deployment.  Stress comes from the changes that have taken place and concern for what life will now be like.
  2. View stress as normal.  Returning to your everyday life is a major change, and change always creates stress.  If accepted and handled constructively, stress can be turned into a source of excitement and enthusiasm about new beginnings with family and friends.
  3. Go slowly.  Take time to ease back into your routine.  Trying to do too much too soon will only add to your stress level. Consider putting off major decisions until you’ve had plenty of time to readjust.
  4. Communicate with others.  Talking with others about your experiences and what you’re feeling can help relieve stress.  It’s not a sign of weakness.  Talk with a trusted relative, friend, faith leader or family services staffer.  Military chaplains can be helpful, as most receive training in pastoral counseling and crisis.
  5. Get involved.  Develop positive activities with your family that encourages togetherness and reassurance.

After the initial celebration is over, most returning service men and women experience some sort of an emotional letdown.  This is part of the transition back to everyday life.  It simply means you’re no longer operating in high gear and that things are beginning to settle down.  Or, it can mean that your homecoming was not everything you’d hoped it would be.  Occasionally, the letdown can become a more serious problem that requires professional assistance.  If you feel overwhelmed by your homecoming, seek help.  It’s not a sign of weakness.

Military members may have been on active duty for six months or longer, so a return to work can sometimes be a tough transition for the individuals and workplace.

Tips to adjust back to the workforce:

  • " Contact your supervisor regarding issues such as how your responsibilities were handled during your absence, changes in personnel, and new policies and projects.

  • " Ease into your return to work.

  • " Avoid “taking charge”.

  • " Consult with your commanding officer. Also make contact with a transitional assistance program. Many branches of the service offer transitional assistance programs, although they vary in scope and quality.

  • " Talk  about it. By talking with others, particularly other military members going through the same process, you will relieve stress and realize that other people share your feelings. Reach out to trusted relatives, friends, or faith leaders.

  • " Take care of your physical health.

  • " Know your rights.  If you are a permanent employee, you must be reinstated to a comparable position (e.g. similar seniority, pay and status), and if you can no longer perform the job, your employer must use reasonable efforts to help you upgrade or update your skills.

  • " Unfortunately employers do not have to continue paying for health insurance while you are on active duty, although many large companies do so.