Coping with Deployment: A Family's Guide to Emotional Resilience

Deployment is a reality of military life, but it brings significant emotional challenges for both the service members who are deployed and the families they leave behind. This period can be particularly difficult for spouses and children who must adapt to life without their loved one. Here are some strategies and resources to help military families build emotional resilience during these times.

Maintaining Communication

1. Regular Contact: Establish a routine for communication. Whether it's letters, emails, or video calls, regular contact helps maintain a sense of normalcy and connection.
2. Creative Communication: Encourage children to draw pictures or write letters to their deployed parent. For younger children, recording voice messages or short videos can be a more engaging way to communicate.
3. Setting Expectations: Understand that communication may not always be consistent due to the service member’s schedule or location. Set realistic expectations and prepare for periods of limited contact.

Supporting Children’s Emotional Needs

1. Open Conversations: Encourage children to express their feelings about the deployment. It's important for them to know that it’s okay to feel sad, worried, or even angry.
2. Routine and Structure: Keeping a consistent daily routine can provide children with a sense of stability. Regular meal times, bedtimes, and activities are comforting during times of change.
3. Support Systems: Utilize support systems available through the military community. Many bases offer groups and activities for families and children dealing with deployment.
4. Educational Support: Inform teachers and school counselors about the deployment. They can be a valuable resource in supporting your child’s emotional well-being at school.

Self-Care for the At-Home Spouse

1. Find Your Community: Connect with other military spouses. Support groups, both in-person and online, can offer understanding and shared experiences.
2. Prioritize Self-Care: It’s important to take care of your own emotional health. Exercise, hobbies, and spending time with friends are essential for your well-being.
3. Seek Professional Help if Needed: Don’t hesitate to seek counseling or therapy if you're struggling. Military OneSource (MilitaryOneSource.mil) is a great resource for free, confidential counseling.

Resources and Tools for Coping

1. Military OneSource: Offers confidential counseling services, helpful articles, and resources for dealing with deployment.
2. Sesame Street for Military Families: Provides resources and videos to help young children understand and cope with deployment (sesamestreetformilitaryfamilies.org).
3. United Through Reading: This program allows deployed parents to read books to their children through video recordings (unitedthroughreading.org).
4. Operation We Are Here: Offers a comprehensive list of resources for military families during deployment (operationwearehere.com).

Coping with deployment is a journey that requires patience, understanding, and resilience. By maintaining communication, supporting each other’s emotional needs, and utilizing available resources, military families can not only manage but also grow stronger during these challenging times. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and there's a whole community ready to support you.