Coping Tips upon Reentry from a Humanitarian Mission

As you adjust back home from your humanitarian mission you may view your life from a different perspective.  Take the time you need to readjust and assimilate your experiences into your life.   Here are some ideas to keep in mind:

• It is common to experience a variety of emotions and physical symptoms at times, such as exhaustion, sleep disturbance, difficulty concentrating, impatience, guilt and anger. 
  
  
• Nurture good connections to those you care about including the new ones you made on the deployment.  Spend time with people who support and validate you.  They can be comforting and help you to sit with uncomfortable emotions.
  
  
• Go back to using your regular coping strategies such as taking a walk, exercising, reading a book, spending quiet time alone, watching a funny movie, taking a bubble bath and getting enough sleep.  Try to avoid alcohol as a coping strategy.
   
• Make active decisions about the best way for you to reenter your normal activities in your life like work and family activities.  Don’t hesitate to ask for what you need. 
  
  
• Be patient with yourself and others.  You have just experienced a unique and sometimes life altering experience.  Your patience for small problems may be limited at this time.
   
• Be optimistic about challenges ahead. Stay in touch with your sources of spiritual strength and renewal (nature, prayer, yoga, meditation, etc.).
  
  
• Recognize when you need help.  If emotions seem overwhelming and too intense, if you have trouble focusing at work, or if you feel anxious much of the time then consider getting assistance.  The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to you as a free and confidential resource.