Military deployment can produce a great deal of stress and anxiety, not only for the service men and women who are called up to active duty, but also for the people they leave behind. Whether your spouse or loved one is leaving for the first time or for the umpteenth time, the emotional distress caused by military deployment is inevitable and must be dealt with constructively.
Active duty carries risks, dangers, and unpredictability, and stress and strain on military spouses and loved ones left behind is a common part of any military connection. Don’t let this get you down. You love that boy or girl who is going to be served. Here are some tips for managing stress and anxiety while your partner is unfurled and keeping your sanity until you are back in your arms.
Communication is key
The most important thing when deploying your partner is to keep the lines of communication open between you.
Talk to each other as often as possible; Having your partner on the other end of the line is the best way to say I love you and to ease the pain caused by so many miles of separation and the emotional turmoil that you are experiencing. Talking will keep you both connected. Listening and knowing that he or she is safe will keep your fear in check and reassure both of you that life will return to normal in no time.
Your opportunity to communicate is limited, so stay away from negative thoughts and pointless discussions. Be frank, talk about everyday things, and share your daily life with your partner.
Bear in mind that even if you are in distress, your partner’s situation can be dire: they may be exposed to physical dangers and other combat difficulties. Therefore, it should be rock solid during this time. Instead of seeking emotional comfort, offer it along with encouragement and affirmations of your love. Doing this will give your partner the power to move on and return home safely.
Being strong for the sake of your partner has an added benefit: You will find that when you take on the role of an emotionally strong partner, inner strength becomes natural. It will grow within you and you too can continue until you and your love are reunited.
Now there are many resources and a variety of technologies that can help you stay in touch when thousands of miles away. These range from email to cell phones, Skype, and video. Take advantage of all these, as they will help you a lot. As a personal suggestion, invest in a computer and a webcam. And get a good cell phone with mobile video chat function. These will allow you to receive communications from your partner at any time. Military men and women do not meet regular work hours; so expect to chat on the go wherever and whenever.
Seek support
You don’t have to go through difficult times alone; I looked for help. There are many support groups for spouses and military partners; They exist for people to share feelings and experiences associated with a military lifestyle. Joining and actively participating in a military support group will bring you great relief. When you connect and share with people who truly understand how you feel, you gain an understanding of yourself and the inner strength that comes with it.
Consider speaking with a professional counselor, if necessary. There is nothing wrong with seeking professional advice if it is especially difficult for you to cope. There are also other sources of support, such as family and friends.
Make stress management a priority
There are also many effective stress management techniques. Experiment and find what works for you. Talk therapy with a professional, or even a friend, can be very helpful. You can also participate in spiritual empowerment activities such as visualization exercises, yoga, and prayer.
The important thing is to recognize your choice to be in a military relationship and accept that stress and anxiety during periods of deployment are part of your chosen life. Remember the person you fell in love with in the first place. The decision to overcome the challenge is yours, and your relationship is definitely worth it.