A deployment can be sad, but staying strong is possible with preparation.
In a time of war, the brave men and women who fight the battles may seem like immortal and superhuman warriors, but they have families and lives like the rest of us. When a spouse, parent or other significant member of your family is deployed, things can be tough for those left at home. Deployments are often for long periods of time, so you have to be prepared for both the short- and long-term effects of your family member's absence. Dealing with a deployment begins with preparation and is followed by conviction, determination and concentration.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Be prepared well ahead of time, if possible. Though emergency deployments for certain service members are possible, most times you will have some warning and preparation. Know the exact dates of the deployment and begin to prepare immediately.
2. Know what bills need to be paid and when. Sign up for online bill payments, if applicable, to simplify the finances if you don't normally handle them yourself and you will be the new primary point of contact for bill collectors. This helps avoid getting into financial trouble during the deployment.
3. Sign up for a special or general power of attorney so you can legally take action on your family member's behalf while they are overseas. This may not be absolutely necessary, but it can simplify matters greatly when your significant other is abroad.
4. Sit down with your family member who is being deployed and make a list of the tasks, both general and specific, that need to happen while she is gone. You can avoid nasty surprises and ensure that everything flows smoothly, which can help avoid unnecessary stress.
Deployment
5. Take the day of the deployment off from work and the following day as well, if possible. The closer you are to the person being deployed, the harder the first night will be. Don't try and stop yourself from being sad, you can let it out for the first day before getting back into step.
6. Develop a routine, complete with hobbies and social time. Substitute the time that you would normally spend with your family member with a new hobby. Learn to sew or take up fishing; something that you can focus on to take your mind off of your significant other's absence.
7. Write your family member often. The more often you correspond, whether by email or snail mail, the less complete the absence will seem. If you have children, note what your son or daughter is doing. Realize that he misses you and your child as much as you miss him. This also gives you the opportunity to communicate about issues you may be worrying about, like trust and fidelity.
8. Keep an active social life. Having friends to share concerns with will not only help time go faster, but they can also console you when you feel overwhelmed.
9. Stay healthy. A bit of stress and sadness in an event like this is inevitable. Stress can lead to a myriad of health problems and sadness can lead to binge eating. Don't let your own emotions get the better of you. As motivation, think about how much better you'll look for her when she gets back if you work out now.
Tags: your family, family member, your family member, being deployed, significant other