Road to Mental Readiness Phase V: Family Post-Deployment Briefing Transition and Reintegration R2MR Module II-1

Course Objectives The goal of this course is to prepare you for the return of your loved one so you can:  Understand the common challenges associated with transition and reintegration  Improve your ability to manage these demanding conditions  Enhance your long-term well-being R2MR Module II-2

Your Experiences  The challenges  The accomplishments R2MR Module II-3

The finish line  THANK YOU  BE PROUD  YOU HAVE MADE IT R2MR Module II-4

Transition and Reintegration R2MR Module II-5

Transitioning from Operations Module II R2MR Module IIII-1

Transitioning from operations  Many families and CAF members experience conflicting emotions after a deployment.  On one hand they are happy to be home and reunited, but on the other hand they feel edgy and angry … WHY? R2MR Module IIII-2 Adapted from Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program

The stress response On a deployment stress hormones are released when:  Confronted with highly stressful events  The “gas pedal” revs the body up and keeps it on high alert  Demands continue for a long period of time with no break  The motor continuously idles II-3R2MR Module II

Stress is linked to emotions R2MR Module IIII-4  Stress causes:  Increased feelings of irritability and anxiety  Exaggerated emotional reactions to normal day to day activities

Stress increases arousal  When you have been going that fast it takes extra time and measures for the body to slow down R2MR Module IIII-5

Stress heightens threat sensitivity  It takes time to readjust and turn off “high alert mode” R2MR Module IIII-6

Stress reduces processing abilities  It is common to think about or dream about adverse or challenging situations after stress has dissipated R2MR Module IIII-7

Stress causes fatigue  Following deployment you and your loved one may be physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted R2MR Module IIII-8

The Challenges of Reintegration Module III R2MR Module IIIIII-1

Mental Health Continuum Model R2MR Module IIIIII-2 ILL HEALTHY REACTING INJURED Clinical disorder Severe functional impairment Severe and persistent functional impairment Common and reversible distress Normal functioning

Reintegration Take Time

What are some of the common challenges of reintegration for families? R2MR Module IIIIII-4

Family Challenges  How it “used to be” may no longer apply  Unfinished business in relationships  Who’s in charge?  “Who had it worse?”  Re-establishing intimacy  Concerns about infidelity R2MR Module IIIIII-5

Tools For Managing the Reintegration Module IV R2MR Module IVIV-1

Reuniting Communication is key to successful reintegration. R2MR Module IVIV-2

Tips for Communicating 1. Keep your message simple and clear 2. Stick to the current issue 3. Stay calm 4. Choose the best time and minimize distractions 5. Pay attention to non-verbal communication 6. Show empathy and caring 7. Acknowledge what you heard R2MR Module IVIV-3

Talking about Experiences  Acknowledge, discuss and appreciate every family members’ contribution to the success of the operation. R2MR Module IVIV-4

Tips for Successful Reintegration  Understand it is normal to feel out of sync  Be patient with yourself and others  Ease back into intimacy  Plan down time and time to reconnect  Tone down fantasies – reality may be quite different  Don’t fix what’s working R2MR Module IVIV-5

Coping Strategies People can manage stress No single strategy works for every situation People usually rely on the same 3 or 4 coping strategies Sometimes we need new tools IV-6R2MR Module IV

Where can I find other tools?  Free workshops through the CAF include:  Inter-Comm  Stress: Take Charge?  Managing Angry Moments  Mental fitness & suicide awareness IV-7R2MR Module IV

Problems Post-Deployment Module V R2MR Module VV-1

After an operation… It’s OK To be distressed Not to be distressed Christiane Routhier, Ph.D. (2007) R2MR Module VV-2

Personal Growth Not only are most people okay after an operation, many describe the experience as a major contributor to personal growth and development. R2MR Module VV-3

Signs of Reintegration Difficulties  Relationships continue to be strained  Ongoing avoidance/withdrawal  Increased conflict  Lack of intimacy  Unequal distribution of household duties/parenting  Financial problems  Behavioural problems in children R2MR Module VV-4

Individual Warning Signs Irritability/impatience Nervousness Sadness/overwhelmed Displaced sarcasm Procrastination Forgetfulness Sleep difficulties Intrusive thoughts Muscle tension/aches and pains Fatigue/low energy Reduced social activities Regular but controlled alcohol or gambling Lasts for more than several weeks Gets worse over time instead of better Gets better but then gets worse R2MR Module VV-5

Red Flags  Physical aggression  Severe mood changes  Suicidal thoughts/gestures  High risk taking behaviour  Excessive, uncontrolled spending  Increased alcohol, substance use, gambling R2MR Module VV-6

Expressing Concern  Close friends and family are often the first to notice when something is wrong and usually the first to express their concern R2MR Module VV-7

Accessing care R2MR Module VV-8

What can I expect if I seek help? 1. Education 2. Skills building (The Big 4) 3. Individualized application of knowledge and skills 4. Joint decision making regarding treatment R2MR Module VV-9

Resources for military members Primary Prevention: Resources that enhance resilience and maintain health Road to Mental Readiness Health Promotion courses Supportive Intervention: Early, short term intervention Canadian Forces Members Assistance Plan Chaplains Psychosocial Services Medical Officers Family Resource Centres Clinical Intervention: For more serious mental health conditions requiring specialized care Mental Health Services Operational Trauma and Stress Centre Operational Stress Injury Social Support Friends/Family/Unit/Leadership Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) V-10

Resources for family members Primary Prevention: Resources that enhance resilience and maintain health Road to Mental Readiness Health Promotion courses Supportive Intervention: Early, short term intervention Canadian Forces Members Assistance Plan Chaplains Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) Family Physician Psychosocial Services Clinical Intervention: For more serious mental health conditions requiring specialized care Family Physician Community Services and Hospitals Operational Stress Injury Social Support Friends/Family Military Family Resource Centre Family Information Line Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) V-10

Family Resources  Family and friends  Employer & work colleagues  Child/Elder care provider  Military Family Resource Centre  Minister/Spiritual Advisor  Coach/Mentor/Teacher  Chaplains  CF Member Assistance Plan  Family Info Line  Public Service Health Care Plan  OSISS Family Support Coordinator  The Centre (DCSM)  Psycho-social Services  Community MH Resources  Family Physician  Provincial Hospitals  Local Addiction agencies  Self help groups V-11R2MR Module V

Preparing for a Successful Reintegration Module VI R2MR Module VIVI-1

My Action Plan VI-2R2MR Module VI

Thank You  You have contributed to the success of this mission  Your sacrifices and contributions are recognized and valued Enjoy the reunion! VI-3R2MR Module VI

Comments or Questions? Thank You R2MR Module VIVI-4