Road to Mental
Readiness
Phase V: Family Post-Deployment Briefing
Transition and Reintegration
I-1
R2MR Module I
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
I-2
R2MR Module I
Your Experiences
 The challenges
 The accomplishments
I-3
R2MR Module I
The finish line
 THANK YOU
 BE PROUD
 YOU HAVE MADE IT
I-4
R2MR Module I
Transition and Reintegration
I-5
R2MR Module I
Transitioning from
Operations
Module II
II-1
R2MR Module II
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?
II-2
Adapted from Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program
R2MR Module II
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-3
R2MR Module II
Stress is linked to emotions
 Stress causes:
 Increased feelings of irritability and
anxiety
 Exaggerated emotional reactions to
normal day to day activities
II-4
R2MR Module II
Stress increases arousal
 When you have been going that
fast it takes extra time and
measures for the body to slow
down
II-5
R2MR Module II
Stress heightens threat
sensitivity
 It takes time to readjust and
turn off “high alert mode”
II-6
R2MR Module II
Stress reduces processing abilities
 It is common to think about or
dream about adverse or
challenging situations after stress
has dissipated
II-7
R2MR Module II
Stress causes fatigue
 Following deployment you
and your loved one may be
physically, mentally and
emotionally exhausted
II-8
R2MR Module II
The
Challenges of
Reintegration
Module III
III-1
R2MR Module III
Mental Health Continuum Model
HEALTHY
REACTING
Normal functioning
Common and
reversible distress
INJURED
III-2
Severe and persistent
functional impairment
ILL
Clinical disorder
Severe functional
impairment
R2MR Module III
Reintegration Take Time
What are some of the common challenges of
reintegration for families?
III-4
R2MR Module III
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
III-5
R2MR Module III
Tools For
Managing the
Reintegration
Module IV
IV-1
R2MR Module IV
Reuniting
Communication is key
to successful
reintegration.
IV-2
R2MR Module IV
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
IV-3
R2MR Module IV
Talking about Experiences
 Acknowledge, discuss
and appreciate every
family members’
contribution to the
success of the operation.
IV-4
R2MR Module IV
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
IV-5
R2MR Module IV
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-6
R2MR 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-7
R2MR Module IV
Problems Post-Deployment
Module V
V-1
R2MR Module V
After an operation…
Not to be distressed
It’s OK
Christiane Routhier, Ph.D. (2007)
To be distressed
V-2
R2MR Module V
Personal Growth
Not only are most people okay after an
operation, many describe the
experience as a major contributor to
personal growth and development.
V-3
R2MR Module V
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
V-4
R2MR Module V
Individual Warning Signs
Irritability/impatience
Nervousness
Sadness/overwhelmed
Displaced sarcasm
Procrastination
Forgetfulness
Lasts for more than several
weeks
Gets worse over time instead of
better
Gets better but then gets worse
Sleep difficulties
Intrusive thoughts
Muscle tension/aches and pains
Fatigue/low energy
Reduced social activities
Regular but controlled alcohol or
V-5
gambling
R2MR Module V
Red Flags
V-6

Physical aggression

Severe mood changes

Suicidal thoughts/gestures

High risk taking behaviour

Excessive, uncontrolled spending

Increased alcohol, substance use,
gambling
R2MR Module V
Expressing Concern
 Close friends and family
are often the first to
notice when something
is wrong and usually the
first to express their
concern
V-7
R2MR Module V
Accessing care
V-8
R2MR Module V
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
V-9
R2MR Module V
Resources for military members
Friends/Family/Unit/Leadership
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
1-800-268-7708
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
V-10
Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR)
Resources for family members
Friends/Family
Military Family Resource Centre
Family Information Line 1-800-866-4546
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
1-800-268-7708
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
V-10
Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR)
Family Resources

Family and friends

Employer & work colleagues

Child/Elder care provider

Military Family Resource Centre

Minister/Spiritual Advisor

Coach/Mentor/Teacher

Chaplains



Public Service Health Care Plan

OSISS Family Support Coordinator

The Centre (DCSM)

Psycho-social Services

Community MH Resources

Family Physician

Provincial Hospitals
CF Member Assistance Plan
1-800-268-7708

Local Addiction agencies
Family Info Line 1-800-866-4546

Self help groups
V-11
R2MR Module V
Preparing for a
Successful Reintegration
Module VI
VI-1
R2MR Module VI
My Action Plan
VI-2
R2MR 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-3
R2MR Module VI
Comments or Questions?
Thank You
VI-4
R2MR Module VI