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 spouse that is left to take care of the family and home. Moving forward while keeping a family may feel as if it is too big a job to handle, especially if many of the functions were normally performed by the deployed spouse. 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 in the absence of the military personnel, the spouse may have to navigate through a myriad of emotions that could include; sadness, anxiety, overwhelm, and fear. Often times these overwhelming, and often distressing emotions, can lead to adjustment concerns and even symptoms of depression and anxiety. With so many things to worry about in times of deployment, it can be too much to include the possible concern over how the relationship will survive during the period of separation.

What Your Children May Also Need

At first glance, military children may be excited about being reunited with a parent returning from deployment. In truth, their responses may vary depending on their developmental stage. Toddlers may not recognize a parent whom they have not seen from birth, thus the child may act shyly or strangely. Older children may not fully understand the attention afforded to the returning parent, while the adolescents may appear unaffected by the returning family member’s presence if they prefer to spend time with friends. Generally, children may need more time to warm up and readjust to the new setup. Change can be difficult to adjust to and may result in behavioral concerns, stress, sadness, anxiety and even depression.

Seeking Help to Conquer the Changes Caused by Deployment

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 changes 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 address any distressing symptoms you have the experienced related to deployment you may wish to seek treatment. The licensed, independently contracted counselors with Carolina Counseling Services – Southern Pines, NC are available to help guide you and your family to successfully reunite. Call CCS – Southern Pines, NC today and schedule your first appointment.

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