When service members return home to their families after deployment, many changes can occur, and several adjustments may be required. Detail some of these changes and adjustments. How can social workers aid discharged service members during this time?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Postdeployment household roles and routines require renegotiation, and soldiers must reconnect with their children. Because combat changes a soldier's mood and personality, both physical and invisible emotional wounds require healing. In addition, veterans with TBI may require extensive health care, and much of the burden falls on their spouses, partners, and parents. These civilians often feel emotionally and practically ill equipped. Because many veterans are married with children, the trauma of war causes collateral damage to children, parents, and of course spouses. As the veterans' problems mount, they may also fear being stigmatized and resist mental health care. Thirty-seven percent of spouses of returning soldiers have mental health concerns to contend with themselves. Home lives may be complicated by domestic violence or unemployment. Social workers can assist with individual and family therapy, brokering connections with disability and home health-care services, mediation, education about social service programs, and busting myths about the mental health-care process.