27 Sep Changes From Combat

Discuss 2 Changes From Combat

Consider the following scenario:

PFC Thomas has been in the Army for 3 years. She is married with two children. She and her husband have a close, intimate relationship. They share all aspects of their lives together. At night, when the children are asleep, they snuggle on the couch and talk about the day or watch a favorite television show. They share responsibilities with the children equally. They often take the children to the park, play kickball in the backyard, and engage in play time. The children are thriving in school and hail their mother as a military hero. The oldest daughter talks openly to both of her parents, and they can share thoughts and feelings readily. When she has to be out for duty, it can get difficult, but they work on a schedule and spend time with each other as much as possible. Currently, PFC Thomas is serving in the Iraq Theater. Her unit is completing their year-long tour and is scheduled to be home in one week. PFC Thomas’s family is excited to have her home and is waiting anxiously for her return.

A month after her return, PFC Thomas is withdrawn, she startles easily, and, while pleasant to her family, she is spending more time alone in the basement sorting through old pictures. Every time her husband touches her, whether a gentle touch on the shoulder or leaning in for a kiss, she immediately withdraws. She is getting angry over small things her children are doing, such as leaving a toothbrush on the bathroom sink. Before she left, she was a loving, attentive mother; upon her return, she came home a stranger.

By Day 3

Post a description of two possible traumatic reactions PFC Thomas might be experiencing and explain how you might come to that initial assessment. If this was your loved one, what expectations would you have as a social worker?

References 

Dick, G. (2014). Social work practice with veterans. Washington, D.C.: NASW Press.

• Chapter 1, “Social Work and Veterans: The Call to Serve” (pp. 3-14)

• Chapter 3, “Theoretical Perspectives on the Motivation to Enlist” (pp. 35-46)

Rubin, A., Weiss, E.L., & Coll, J.E. (2013). Handbook of military social work. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

• Chapter 4, “Ethical Decision Making in Military Social Work” (pp. 51-66)

• Chapter 17, “Transitioning Veterans into Civilian Life” (pp. 281-297)

Pryce, J. G., Pryce, D. H., & Shakelford, K. K. (2012). The costs of courage: Combat stress, warriors, and family survival. Chicago, IL: Lyceum Books.

The costs of courage: Combat stress, warriors, and family survival (1st Ed.), by Pryce, J.G., Pryce, Col. D.H. & Shakleford, K.K. Copyright 2012 by Lyceum Books, Inc. Reprinted by permission of Lyceum Books, Inc., via the Copyright Clearance Center.

• Chapter 3, “Combat Stress Injuries” (pp. 33–37)