Psych 190 Warriors At Home Understanding Adjustment Reactions

Psych 190: Warriors At Home Understanding Adjustment Reactions Dr. Elena Klaw

Goals for Today Warrior reflexes Problems caused by stress Understanding Avoidance Alcohol and coping Strength based approach Positive coping: self care Relaxation exercises

What are Warrior Reflexes? Hyper-arousal - role in warfare Hyper-arousal - effects on civilian life Limbic system vs. prefrontal cortex Effects of extreme stress and sleep deprivation Cognitive distortions of threat

Discussion: Understanding Adjustment Responses How do warriors react physically, emotionally, and behaviorally to stressful events once they return home?

What Might a Veteran avoid? Situations? People? Emotions? Memories? Physical states?

Maladaptive Coping: Alcohol Problems (CAGE) 1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking? 2. Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking? 3. Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking? 4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover (eye-opener)? Resources: VA MD, www. aa. org, www. mm. org http: //counsellingresource. com/lib/quizzes/drug-testing/alcohol-cage/

Strength Based Approach What messages interfere with self care? How can a veteran adopt new coping skills? Peer Interview: Think of a difficult situation that you overcame. . What effective coping methods did you use?

Positive Coping: Self Care Exercise Sleep hygiene Nightmare logs Simple outlets: hobbies Physical/Emotional/Intellectual/ Spiritual Talking to care professionals

Relaxation Exercises • Smooth Breathing • Imagining Safety • Muscle Relaxation