Strategies for Managing Stress After War

Julia M. Whealin, PhD, is the Deputy Director for Education and a research health scientist at the Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Health Care System Division of the National Center for PTSD. She has published widely on a host of veterans mental health issues including combat stress, family issues, PTSD, sexual abuse, and resilience. Lorie T. DeCarvalho, PhD, is the founder and Director of Behavioral Health Services for Adventist Health Central California Network. She has published on pain and PTSD in various scholarly, government, self-help, and general interest publications. Edward M. Vega, PhD, is a staff psychologist in the Trauma Recovery Program of the Atlanta VA Medical Center and has worked with veterans from all eras, as well as national guards/reservists, police officers, civilian psychiatric patients, and women who are survivors of sexual and physical abuse.

Preface ix Acknowledgments xi

INTRODUCTION 1

CHAPTER ONE Understanding Transition Stress Reactions 5

CHAPTER TWO Managing Stress 17

CHAPTER THREE Tools for Healthy Coping 27

CHAPTER FOUR Improving Sleep 41

CHAPTER FIVE Dealing with Anger 53

CHAPTER SIX Reintegrating with Society 63

CHAPTER SEVEN Reintegrating with Family and Friends 71

CHAPTER EIGHT Staying Strong 81

APPENDIX A Veteran Resource Guide 91

APPENDIX B Chapter Quizzes Answer Key 95

APPENDIX C Stress Management Handouts 103

References 107

A Personal Note from the Authors 109

Index 111