For Families and Friends
It’s understandable for family and friends to feel out of the loop when it comes to their loved ones being deployed. The most important thing is to talk to your loved one. Encourage them to talk about out their health, whether it is with you, fellow service members or medical professional. Let them know that there is nothing wrong with seeking care. Your support helps bring comfort to the men and women of the U.S. Army.
Here’s how you can help
- * Some service members may have a hard time adjusting to living conditions once they return home. Be prepared for change and remain patient. Help them adjust to feeling at home again.
- * Tell your loved one to take their DHAs. They open doors to benefits and care.
- * Remind your service member that it is ok to reach out and seek behavioral health care. Recognizing a need and seeking help is a sign of strength.
- * Encourage your service member to feel comfortable when discussing their health with you and their friends. Make it a point that you’re there to listen and help.
- * Take care of yourself. Keep a positive attitude and avoid being judgmental.
Additional Family Support
- * Veterans Affairs' Caregiver Benefits & National Support Line
- * Helping Families Understand Combat Stress
- * Domestic Violence Resources for Military Families
- * Suicide Prevention Resources for Military Families
- * How Parents of Warriors Can Support Reintegration
- * The Role of Family Members and Loved Ones in Substance Misuse
- * Supporting Your Service Member with Psychological Health Concerns
- * Strengthen Your Family With Marital Counseling
- * Caring for Yourself While Helping Support Your Service Member
- * Maintaining Relationships with Loved Ones During Deployment
- * Boosting Family Resilience
- * Military Family Life Consultants Ease Warrior Transitions
- * New Parents Can Stay Connected During Deployment
Deployment & Children
As adults learn to cope with the deployment of our loved ones, understand that as children learn to do the same it may be more difficult for them depending on their age. Children often ask a lot of questions when it comes to their parents deployment and health. The key to helping them understand and ease their concern is communication.
- * Explain to them that their parent is working to better serve the country.
- * Allow them to express their feeling to relieve concerns they may have.
- * Engage them in their favorite hobbies and explore DoD and other resources for children of deployed parents.
- * During these times plan fun activities to re-focus their attention.
Additional Child Resources and Services
- * Stay Connected with Deployed Parents
- * Helping Children Through the Grieving Process
- * Teens & Deployment: What to Expect and How to Help
- * Sesame Workshop Helps Children Cope With Grief
- * April is the Month of the Military Child
- * Part 3: Transitioning through a Reunion
- * Part 2: Taking Care of You — Taking Care of Your Children
- * Part 1: Preparing Children for Deployment
- * Help Your Family Cope with Sesame Workshop’s Military Families Initiatives
- * Working With Your Child's Educators During Deployment
DHAP for Army ReservePlease visit this site for specific information if you're an Army Reservist. | DHAP AKO PortalPlease visit the DHAP AKO Portal for more information about the program and specific component information. |
DHAP for Army National GuardPlease visit this site for specific information if you're in the Army National Guard. | Contact DHAPPlease contact us if you have any questions or need more information about the DHAP. |