As we celebrate this year’s Veterans Day, let us not forget the many challenges that face our veterans and their families. These remarkable people sacrifice so much for our country and still face many obstacles especially upon returning from home. While the years have gone by since my own father returned from the war in Vietnam and thankfully veterans today are more likely to receive greater support and warmer welcome-home ceremonies, the mental and physical challenges of reintegrating into home life are equally difficult missions to accomplish.

According to the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, reunions can be happy and stressful. Much has changed since our veterans left home and each service member experiences things differently. How a family copes with this reintegration can make all the difference for their future.

Commonly reported symptoms of returning vets range from difficulty sleeping, headaches, rapid heartbeat, nightmares, increased anxiety, feeling helpless, increased aggressive driving, drinking or drug use. Positive reactions to deployment have also been reported to be increased appreciation for family and quality family time, more dedication to their job and mission, new maturity and a sense of confidence in themselves and their family. Many service members grow closer to their core values and want to continue their service to their country. These are truly remarkable people and need all of our support as they and their families reunite.

Helpful tips for reuniting with service members are allowing the service member one-on-one time with each family member, support the service member in connecting with others and allow alone time when needed. Experiment with different communication styles. Many service members have been use to the military’s “need to know” mode of communication and may need time to relearn the importance of shared information.

Engage in activities that foster communication such as taking a walk, or working on a project together rather than watching TV or a movie. Share and renegotiate roles and compromise when necessary. Take care of yourself by doing healthy things to relieve stress such as exercise.

Avoid telling your service member what they should do, offering advice without listening, pressuring them to talk and rushing things. It takes time to get comfortable with each other again. Let your service members know you are interested in hearing about their experience and feelings and tell them how you feel about them. When problems become persistent enough and last for months it can affect the overall wellbeing of all involved.

Many service members may think they should cope with it on their own; however, many resources are available now to assist families. Further information can be obtained for family support at www.guardfamily.org, the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs www.va.gov, VA Medical Centers, Military One Source www.militaryonesource.com, and the National Center for PTSD www.ptsd.va.gov.

I thank all veterans past, present and future and especially the families and loved ones who support them in their respective duties. I am proud to be the daughter of a veteran and know how much our support means to our service members. My dad often told me how important mail call was and what it meant to receive a letter from my mom while overseas. Our support is a sign of hope. There are many ways to show your support to veterans and their families. Get connected with your local veterans organizations and find out how you can help.

Consider saying thanks the next time you see a veteran, service member or their family. They deserve it.

Laura Nechanicky is a psychotherapist and mental health practioner for Nystrom & Associates in Duluth, www.nystromcounseling.com. She was born and raised in Albert Lea.