Deployment has been an accepted part of a military family lifestyle for many. It may never get easier no matter how frequently your soldier goes away to fulfill their mission. Each family has their own unique situations and each family member may experience different emotions. Whether these mixed feelings are verbally expressed or not, it can be vital for each family member to be understood in terms of their needs and expectations.

The Tasks Military Spouses Perform at Home

Life goes on for the partner that is left to take care of the family and home. Taking care of yourself and everything else can feel overwhelming. Often, even the smallest crisis can feel as if it is too much to manage when compounded by other stressors.

Apart from possibly wearing too many hats you may also be feeling sadness, anxiety, overwhelm, and fear. Oftentimes these overwhelming, and often distressing emotions, can lead to adjustment issues and even symptoms of depression and anxiety. With so many things to worry about in times of deployment you may find it difficult to focus on your relationship too.

What Your Children May Also Need

Having a parent return from a deployment can be an exciting and even confusing time. In truth, children’s responses may vary depending on their developmental stage. Toddlers may not recognize a parent whom they have not seen for some time which can lead to them behaving shyly or even being afraid. Older children can feel a variety of emotions as well from excitement to even frustration over their parent being gone. Every child is different, however, needing a period of time to readjust can be expected.

Seeking Help to Adjust to Changes

If you’re part of a military family, all of these scenarios may be familiar for you and the other members of your family. A deployment can bring about a variety of challenges that can impact you and your family. The children may have grown; as a spouse, you may have become more independent; and, your returning soldier may have also changed. While returning from long deployment can be a reason for celebration, it can also be a period of adjustment.

It can take patience and understanding to de-stress after the trials and tribulations of a deployment. If you feel you are needing understanding, help coping or to process how you are feeling, counseling can help.

Carolina Counseling Services in Southern Pines, NC contracts with caring licensed therapists who are familiar with military life. Find the support you need and deserve with CCS! Call now to schedule your first appointment. Online sessions are also available!

Related Articles:

• Surviving Loneliness and Single Parenting during Deployments

Jaime Johnson Fitzpatrick LCMHCS, LCAS is one of the Owners and Vice Presidents of Carolina Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in the State of North Carolina as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in State of New York. Jaime is also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and utilizes various other approaches in her practice.