Coping with the Stress of Deployment: Information for Military Families

As our service men and women continue to carry out missions in the Middle East and elsewhere, their families, friends and significant others continue to experience varying amounts of worry and fear. This stress can be due to concerns about a loved one’s safety, economic hardship, the challenges of coping as a single parent, or simply missing a partner.

In the face of this anxiety, you or someone you know may be experiencing some of the following signs of the emotional impact of stress, or these symptoms may arise over the coming weeks and months:

In the face of stress, some people will maintain their routines to achieve a sense of control and to distract themselves, and others will have difficulty focusing for some time. Both reactions are common responses to this situation. Because everybody experiences stress differently, don’t compare your “progress” with those around you or judge other people’s reactions and emotions.

Here are some tips for coping during these difficult times.

· Talk about it. By talking with others, particularly other military spouses, you will reduce your stress and realize that others share your feelings. Support groups exist at most military installations. If there’s one available to you, join; if not, consider starting one.

· Take care of your physical health. Get plenty of rest and exercise, avoid excessive drinking and drugs, and eat properly.

· Limit your exposure to the news media. The images, rumors and speculation can be damaging to your sense of well-being.

· Engage in activities you find relaxing. Plant flowers, attend a concert, visit an art gallery, or take a long bath. Be kind to yourself.

· Do something positive. Contact community volunteer organizations to see how you can help. Give blood, prepare “care packages” for service men and women, or support a friend or neighbor who is having trouble coping.

· Take care of your children. Acknowledge their worries and uncertainties. Reassure them that their feelings are normal. Maintain your family routines and keep the lines of communication open.

· Seek help. It's not a sign of weakness. If you have strong feelings that won't go away or are troubled for more than four to six weeks, you may want to seek professional help. Nearly every military installation has a family service center, family support center or Army community service center where you can access information, referral, counseling, and crisis intervention services. In addition, all military families, including National Guard members and Reservists who are activated for more than 30 days, are eligible for medical and mental health care either at a military medical treatment facility or at a civilian facility through TRICARE, the administrator of health services for the armed services. TRICARE provides information about mental health benefits programs for the military on their Web site, www.tricare.mil. Or contact them at 888-363-2273. Also, Military OneSource provides 24-hour access to information and help. Contact them at 800-342-9647 or www.militaryonesource.mil.