Do's and Don'ts List for Interactions with Returning Troops

Advice from Jennifer Iveland of the VA Vet Center and a member of the Army Reserve's 785th Combat Stress Control Company, as listed in Rochester, MN's Post-Bulletin:

• Let them know you are glad they are back.
  
• Make use of their newly acquired experience, maturity and responsibility.
  
• Encourage their input.
  
• Don't isolate them.
  
• Don't force them to talk about their experience.
  
• Don't offer your opinion about the war unless you were there.

Family members and close friends may need more detailed tips on opening lines of communication with their returning troop.

Click on 'Article Link' below tags for family resources...

Some further resources to tap into:

• National Center for PTSD: Returning from the War Zone: A Guide for Families [pdf]
  
• Turning Your Heart Toward Home Workbook [pdf]
  
• Journal of Clinical Psychology Expert Clinical Guidelines Series: Guide for Patients and Families [pdf]
  
• Navy's Lifelines Services Network: Combat Stress Reactions Online Video Series for Families
  
• THRIVEnet: Guide to Listening to War Veterans for Family Members
  
• Recommended Reading List for Military Families
  
• Get specific questions answered via an online community.

If you know of a resource that's been a great help to you, please drop those in comments.


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