Pre-Deployment

• Stage 1: Anticipation of loss
  6 - 12 weeks prior to deployment
  Easily: agitated, angered, frustrated, tired
• Stage 2: Detachment & Withdrawal
  1 – 3 weeks prior
  Lack of focus, difficulty concentrating, seemly disinterested, anxious, regressive behaviours, sleep disturbances

During Deployment

• Stage 3: Emotional Disorganization
  First 3-6 weeks of deployment
  Lack of focus, anxious, overly emotional, physical symptoms, increased dependence, insecure, distrustful, sleep disturbances, resentful, regressive behaviours.
• Stage 4: Recovery and Stabilization
  6 – 12 weeks
  More relaxed, accepting, happier, open, less emotional, more attentive, more invested, overall wellness
• Stage 5: Anticipation of Homecoming
  1 – 3 weeks prior to HLTA
  Anxious, energetic, impulsive, elation, nervous, imaginative
• Stage 6: Emotional Disorganization (Again!)
  First 3-6 weeks of re-deployment
  Lack of focus, anxious, overly emotional, physical symptoms, increased dependence, insecure, distrustful, sleep disturbances, resentful, regressive behaviours.
• Stage 7: Recovery and Stabilization
  6 – 12 weeks
  More relaxed, accepting, happier, open, less emotional, more attentive, more invested, driven, focussed.

Post Deployment

• Stage 8: Anticipation of Homecoming
  1 – 3 weeks prior to return of family member
  Anxious, energetic, impulsive, sudden elation, nervousness, lack of focus, imaginative, happy, excited.
• Stage 9: Reintegration and Stabilization
  8 -12 weeks
  Uncertain, withdrawn, anxious, seemingly tired, unpredictable, frustration, resentment, avoidance, denial.

Some stages may take longer than others, and are dependent on other factors. Do not worry if your emotional cycle doesn’t look the same as ours. Everyone experiences emotions differently and that is completely normal. These times are meant to be a guideline only. Depending on the length of the mission, some loved ones may have more than one HLTA.