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Let's talk about a few signs that a veteran might be experiencing post-deployment stress. If your veteran has already returned, think about any signs you've noticed.

Changes in behavior may include:

• Withdrawing from family and friends,
• Having nightmares and sleep problems,
• Having a lack of interest in things they used to enjoy,
• Being less interested in sex,
• Avoiding things that remind them of a traumatic event
• Reacting strongly to unexpected noises,
• Using alcohol or drugs more than usual,
• Using alcohol to try to sleep,
• Crying, and,
• Checking and re-checking locked doors or windows at night.

Changes in personality may include:

• Getting angry quickly, about things they wouldn't normally be angry about,
• Lacking motivation or initiative,
• Being easily distracted,
• Being more forgetful than usual,
• Seeming "down" all the time, and,
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness or thoughts of suicide.

Physical changes may include:

• Paying less attention to his or her appearance,
• Losing or gaining a significant amount of weight,
• Feeling dizzy, and,
• Having more headaches than before.

Keep in mind, though, that not every veteran has post-deployment stress, and those who do may only have minor signs, or signs that are different from those discussed here.