Kathy Platoni, a Clinical Psychologist who has worked in this field has identified some signs to look for that might indicate difficulty for a soldier transitioning back into society.
1. Vivid flashbacks and recurrences of images from the war that are
painful, intrusive repetitive, and undesired
2. Nightmares that are disturbing in nature, often with associated sleep
disturbances (i.e.; insomnia, nighttime awakenings)
3. Social isolation, alienation, and withdrawal
4. Remaining detached or emotionally distant from others, even
in their presence
5. Difficulty or inability to experience or express emotions
appropriately (for instance, crying when sad or grieving)
6. Remaining on “high alert” status (hypervigilance) and
scanning the surrounding environment continuously
7. Obvious startle responses to loud noises, being approached or
touched by others
8. Excessive boredom with the commonplace and ordinary aspects of
life on the home front, thrill-seeking and looking for the “adrenalin
rush”, while posing unnecessary risks to self and family members
9. Finding little worth, meaning, or purpose to life on the home front
and longing to be back in the war zone to find it
10. Preoccupation with bitter and angry feelings directed towards a
society or government for maltreatment, exploitation, and failure to
keep promises, as has been the case with veterans of previous
wars
11. Feeling confused, angry, or cynical in regard to one’s fate in
life; pessimism and hopelessness about one’s future and any
possibility of altering what lies ahead.
Congregations who seek to be welcoming need to avoid acting as if they are hovering over a returned soldier waiting for signs of abnormality but being aware of possible behaviors that might indicate the returned soldier is having problems may be helpful. Almost as important as anything is to convey to such soldiers that although you could not possibly understand what they have been through, you are available and a supportive presence. There are some key theological elements of our faith that provide needed resources in such a situation. I would suggest several that we could explore in future blogs. The first is the meaning of sanctuary. Next is an understanding of Sabbath. Third is a deeper understanding of liturgy, particularly as it centers on confession, forgiveness, and healing. Sometimes it is at such challenging moments that we renew our awareness of the power of our own faith.
In the meantime, keep this web site on your saved list, www.careforthetroops.org. It is a good source for excellent resources.
