It’s easy to get excited to see your friends or family members return from war. You’re glad they’re home and you want to spend time with them. Although you may be greeted with that same excitement in return, it’s not long before reality kicks in and you start to see the damage the war has left.
Many men returning from war start to behave differently and can find it difficult to adjust to civilian life. If you’re wondering how you can help your loved one, here are some tips.
Just Listen
Soldiers who have returned from war don’t necessarily need advice. They just need someone to listen. It’s natural to want to ask questions and figure out why your loved one seems so changed but it can be the worst thing you can do.
It’s likely that your loved one has seen horrifying things that could have had a detrimental affect on his mental health. If this is the case, it may be wise to recommend talking to a mental health professional in a space where he feels safe discussing things in more detail.
Help Him Reconnect
Becoming part of the civilian world again isn’t going to happen overnight. Your loved one may need some assistance in reconnecting socially. Soldiers are used to living life on a tight schedule, with everything regimented and strict rules.
Relaxing back into a life where those regulations aren’t necessary anymore is a big change for anyone to make. It can help to do things that honor those who have been lost and connect with other ex-soldiers. For example, Cris Vally has been raising money with a ride across America.
Recognizing PTSD
Post traumatic stress disorder is common in soldiers who have returned from war. The symptoms of PTSD can take many different forms but some soldiers can be sensitive to sounds like fireworks or cars backfiring. Others may feel depressed, anxious and suffer from night terrors.
Some soldiers with PTSD can become aggressive with those around them and turn to alcohol or drugs to calm their thoughts. When you recognize any of these symptoms in your loved one, it’s essential that they get the professional help they need to get well.
Veteran Services
There are many veteran organizations that can assist soldiers returning from war when they need it. From help with housing to pointing them in the right direction when they need help with mental health, there is always help available. If your loved one doesn’t require help from these organizations, he may find it worthwhile to volunteer for them.
These organizations are always looking for veteran volunteers because they can better understand what each person has been through. Volunteering for causes such as these is a great way to gently get back into civilization and build a new sense of self-worth as you do it. It’s something you can do together to build a stronger bond.
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