Returning from deployment is a time of expectation, excitement, and change. However, many military families find that the reunion can be more stressful than the separation. Many families go through an adjustment period that can last for weeks or even months. Knowing what to expect can make the transition easier.

These are the phases you might go through when you return home:

• Pre-entry. You may be excited to come home and might spend a lot of time thinking about what things will be like. You plan things to do at home, at work, and with your family.

• Reunion. This is the “honeymoon” phase just after you come home. It is a time for you to reconnect with people and relax.

• Disruption. Problems may come up as you realize how much things changed while you were away. Your family may have new routines, and it may take time for you to adjust. You might be surprised that your family managed as well as they did without you, or feel like they don't need you anymore. It is normal to feel envious or resentful during this period.

• Communication. It is important to talk to your family about how things have changed. You and your family may need to set up new routines. Some things that might need to be discussed are physical changes, finances, decision making, and changes in the relationships with your spouse and children.

• Normalcy. You and your family accept changes and reestablish routines. Even though there may be problems, this transition often leads to unexpected growth at home and at work.

The following Web sites for veterans and their families have information about returning home after deployment:

• After Deployment

  http://www.afterdeployment.org

• American Academy of Pediatrics

  Support for Military Children and Adolescents

  http://www.aap.org/sections/uniformedservices/deployment/resources.html

1. Mental Health America

   Operation Healthy Reunions

   http://www.nmha.org/reunions/resources.cfm

• Military Homefront

  http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil

• Military K-12 Partners

  http://militaryk12partners.dodea.edu/references.html

• Military OneSource

  http://www.militaryonesource.com

• National Military Family Association

  http://www.nmfa.org

• Sesame Workshop

  Deployments, Homecomings, Changes

  http://www.sesameworkshop.org/initiatives/emotion/tlc

• SOFAR: Strategic Outreach to Families of All Reservists

  http://www.sofarusa.org

• U.S. Army Hooah 4 Health

  Deployment Guide for Families of Deploying Soldiers

  http://www.hooah4health.com/deployment/familymatters/reunion.htm

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

  Returning from the War Zone: A Guide for Families of Military Personnel

  http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/reintegration/returning-war-zone-guide-families.asp

The following Web sites for veterans contain health-related information:

• Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center

  http://www.brainline.org

• Military Pathways Screening Program

  http://www.militarymentalhealth.org

• National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

  http://www.ptsd.va.gov

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

  Benefits for Returning Service Members

  http://www.oefoif.va.gov