No matter if it’s your first time or fifth time preparing for an upcoming deployment or rotation, the stress and anxiety that accompany it can feel overwhelming. As a fellow military spouse, I’ve experienced the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with saying goodbye to my loved one. During the first few years of dating my husband, he was gone every other year even missing the first year of our son’s life.
One challenge that many of us face is managing the constant stream of news and information regarding our spouse’s deployment. I’ll share some insights on dealing with stress during deployments, knowing when to cut off the TV, and managing time without your significant other.
Silence Can Be Golden
In this digital age, it’s incredibly easy to become engulfed in the constant barrage of news, especially when it pertains to our spouse’s jobs, like “how the shutdown affects pay” or “who is next on rotation.” It’s essential to remember that not all news is beneficial, and during deployments, sometimes silence is, indeed, golden.
Limit News Consumption
While staying informed is crucial, it’s equally important to set boundaries on how much news you consume. Constantly refreshing news websites or scrolling through social media can and will heighten your anxiety. This life is stressful enough, to be honest. Designate specific times for checking updates to maintain a sense of control.
Choose Official Sources
Rely on official sources from the military for accurate and essential information about your spouse’s deployment. Avoid falling into the trap of sensationalized news stories that can exacerbate stress. Some examples are your FRG, unit Facebook group, and the Fort Bliss Army.mil site.
No News Is Good News
Remember the old saying: No news is good news. In many cases, if there are significant developments or concerns, you’ll hear from your spouse directly or through the official channels.
Managing Stress During Deployments
Deployments bring unique stressors, but there are effective strategies to manage these challenges.
Find a Support Network
Lean on your support network of friends, family, and fellow military spouses. Sharing your experiences and emotions can provide immense comfort. If you don’t have anyone nearby, Military One Source is a great resource for information and therapy.
Practice Self-Care
Prioritize self-care to alleviate stress. Exercise, mindfulness, and hobbies can be powerful tools for maintaining emotional well-being.
Stay Connected
Keep communication lines open with your spouse, even during deployments. Regular messages, calls, or video chats can strengthen your bond and ease separation anxiety. If not available, you and your spouse can write “love notes” and hide them in their rucksack for them to open at intervals, and they can hide notes around the house for you. It’s sometimes the little pick-me-up you need.
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Maintain a Routine
Establish a daily routine to provide structure and purpose. This can help you stay focused and productive while your spouse is away.
Time Management and Independence
Managing time without your spouse may initially seem daunting, but it’s an opportunity for personal growth.
Set Goals
Create both short-term and long-term goals to give your days direction and purpose.
Explore Interests
Rediscover or explore new hobbies and interests that bring you joy and fulfillment.
Stay Organized
Maintain a schedule to help manage daily tasks, appointments, and responsibilities.
Seek Help
Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when needed, whether from friends, family, or support organizations within the military community.
With the recent news cycle, it is normal to be on edge, but managing your stress during deployments as a military spouse is a coping skill that requires resilience and adaptability. Learning to discern between reliable information sources and sensationalized news, leaning on your support network, practicing self-care, and embracing your independence are all vital aspects of navigating deployments/rotations successfully.
Remember that you are not alone, and when things get hard, reach out to a safe person.
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of El Paso Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
