* This material is translated from the educational resource psykososialberedskap.no, developed by RVTS East (Norway).
These are practical recommendations, which will be useful to the military personnel themselves, and specialists, that work with them.
Bodies tense, artillery fires around them - then there is a deafening silence. By 24 hours they crawl out of the bunker and start a new day, where the "abnormal" becomes the new normal. The transition to everyday life at home can be difficult. Knowledge of stress reactions and coping strategies can help ease this transition.
International operations
Since World War II, more than 100,000 Norwegians have taken part in approx 100 military operations in more than 40 countries. Operations differ in intensity and duration.
Danger, violent scenes and action are part of the service. The following values are important for maintaining team spirit, as respect, loyalty, honor and courage.
Veteran – he is a normal person with normal emotions,
trained to solve abnormal situations.
Robert Mood, general and former veteran inspector
Selection and training
Selection of people for international operations takes place in various ways. Some are enrolled after the end of compulsory military service; others are distributed afterwards, how they will choose a career in the army.
Fear and stress
In the war zone, the fear system is constantly activated, which is necessary for effective functioning and survival. Military personnel automate actions and procedures, to be able to act in scary and stressful situations.
Tips for returning home
The transition from war to everyday life can be difficult. There is a stark contrast between everyday life at home and the pain and suffering in a conflict zone. It is important to start performing daily tasks, example, buy groceries and take children to kindergarten.
Family and children
International deployment can be a challenge for families – to, during and after the mission. The period of preparation in advance and the period of adaptation after returning home prolong the deployment, which leads to suffering and distance between family members.
Returning home from Afghanistan, I was exhausted and needed rest.
My wife was at home with three children and was also exhausted - and here she was going to rest!
Kore Brendeland, lieutenant colonel
Caroline Gundhus Nysted received sad news,
when her partner Thomas Nysted was deployed
to Afghanistan.
Involve the family in planning
Stability in the family protects against stress and burnout. Family and friends make you flexible, and stable, securing and empowering, when the surrounding world seems unreal and heartless. But what would they want?
Family challenges
The family and the soldier, that returned, often have different expectations about returning home. Discussing hopes and concerns about family life and relationships can reduce this expectation gap.
Children
It can be difficult for children, when one of the parents is serving abroad. Their sense of security and closeness changes, when mom or dad goes to a war zone. Suffering, excitement and separation itself can cause reactions in children.
Family support
While mom or dad is in a war zone, the family may need additional support. Solving everyday problems may require the creation of social networks, able to provide practical and emotional support. Contact with the military can also be helpful.
Health and quality of life
Most veterans return from international service with valuable experience and good physical and mental health. Yet, some encounter difficulties or problems at later stages. Asking for help can be difficult – it does not fit the role of a soldier.
For many veterans, it is important to receive recognition for those wartime events, through which they passed.
I think, that of the staff, which provides support, it would be useful to familiarize yourself with that, what the veteran experienced …
Don't underestimate the importance of showing interest.
Kore Brendeland, lieutenant colonel
Challenges and reactions
Military, which are in dislocation, may experience physical and psychological stressors, which affect physical arousal, a dream, emotions, thinking and concentration. Many veterans learn ways, how to deal with it, and with their own resources and further support from the military they are doing well. However, some veterans face difficulties and need professional help.
Health problems
Such reactions as increased muscle tension and hypervigilance are common, caused by activation of the sympathetic nervous system. This can lead to sleep and concentration problems. These reactions usually subside over time 6 months
Trust in support services
Some veterans need the help of civilian support services after returning from deployment, but it may be difficult for them to initiate contact, and feel it, that they are understood. If veterans perceive the support service as accessible and interested in their experience, then it will be easier for them to accept help.
