Problem:
There are unique challenges that veterans, spouses/partners, and family members experience during post deployment phase, or returning home from war. According to Sloan and Friedman (2008), some of the major themes include re-establishing trust, communication, and intimacy back into the family unit. The characteristics that kept the member safe in theatre are not necessarily suited to life back home. Some of these characteristics can include behaviors such as hypervigilance, aggression, strong negative reactions to low level stimuli, inadequate sleep, appetite disturbances, and possible substance abuse. In a peacetime environment, (i.e. back home) the same behaviors that kept one safe during war can create feelings of isolation, anxiety, and disconnection (Mason, 2007; Sloan & Friedman, 2008). Recommendations that may assist the service member to reconnect with family members after returning from conflict missions include providing grace to self/others, engaging in open communication, providing support and reassurance of love, scheduling together/solitary time, and being flexible in one's approach (Mason, 2007; Sloan & Friedman, 2008). BATTLEMIND is specifically mentioned in the text as a pneumonic that both applies to the service member and spouses/partners. For the warrior, it outlines the difference between wartime application and at home application. Need Assignment Help?