Mental Health Experts Provide Tips for Military Personnel Returning Home

National Mental Health Association
Thursday, 29 May 2003

The National Mental Health Association has developed a series of tip sheets to help military service men and women cope with the range of emotions and reactions they may experience when they return home from duty overseas.

"Whether you're a reservist or full-time military person, returning home from war can be a time of excitement and change," said Michael Faenza, NMHA President and CEO. "However, with this new beginning, many men and women may experience some sort of emotional letdown, so it is crucial to pay close attention to your mental health and the mental health of loved ones around you."

NMHA's "Returning Home" series of tip sheets includes:

How to Get Back to "Normal" — Stress often comes from changes that have taken place while away on duty. This tip sheet is designed to help military personnel transition back to everyday life at home.

Being a Couple Again — One of the first lessons learned by military spouses during periods of long separation is that coming home and being part of a couple again takes some getting used to. NMHA provides tips on how to reconnect with a significant other.

Reconnecting With Your Children — This tip sheet provides advice that all returning parents should keep in mind when reconnecting with their children. Special sections address issues for new fathers and single parents.

When the Letdown Doesn't Let Up — For some service members, the homecoming may be a difficult transition. This tip sheet helps military personnel to identify signs that they may have a serious problem that requires professional assistance.

Feeling overwhelmed as you transition back into everyday life is not a sign of weakness. Nearly every military installation offers support facilities that provide access to information, referrals, counseling and crisis intervention services. In addition, all military families, including those in the National Guard and Reserve members who are activated for over 30 days, are eligible for medical and mental health care either at a Military Medical Treatment Facility or a civilian facility through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (CHAMPUS).

Copies of NMHA's "Returning Home" tip sheets are available online at www.nmha.org or by calling NMHA's Resource Center at 800-969-NMHA (6642).

The National Mental Health Association is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans through advocacy, education, research and service.

For more information, or to contact National Mental Health Association, see their website at: www.nmha.org