How to deal with relatives who have returned from the front

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Ministry of Health made public recommendations on how to help a loved one who has returned from the combat zone to adapt in society and get rid of the negative consequences of the experienced stress.

The ministry notes that war is a huge stress for the military. And a person who has returned from the front may feel fear of hostilities even at home. Therefore, Ukrainians are urged to be ready for this.

Adaptation of the military cannot take place immediately after arriving home – it takes time.

Three types of reactions are usually observed in persons who have returned from war:

• physical (sleeping problems, tremors, sweating, tachycardia, lack of appetite or overeating, headache and muscle pain);
• behavioral (exacerbated reaction to loud sounds, problems with concentration and memory, avoidance of people and other factors that remind of war, constant anxiety, abuse of alcohol or drugs for relaxation);
• emotional (mood swings, obsessive thoughts, inability to relax, irritability and outbursts of anger, inability to feel positive emotions).

Such reactions are usually observed for about a month. However, if they do not go away and even worsen, it is worth contacting doctors and enlisting the support of brothers or sisters of the military, the Ministry of Health advises.

Experts explain that relatives should be ready for a change in values ​​and perception of military life. You should be patient with him and create a comfortable, trusting atmosphere at home.

Sometimes a military man can trust his brothers and sisters more than his relatives. The Ministry of Health advises to approach this with patience and respect the personal boundaries of a loved one.

Earlier we wrote about 13 psychological textsthat will help communicate with the militaryto adapt in stressful conditions, to decide whether it is time to contact a psychotherapist and not only that.

Anzhelika Talaban, “UP. Life”