How to Cope With Your Spouse's Military Deployment

Military families often have to find ways to cope with a spouse's deployment overseas. There is no easy answer and it will always be tough to get through the separation, however there are ways to help ease the passage of time. Read on for some tips on how to cope with your spouse's deployment.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 

   Set simple goals for yourself.
   
   Don't expect to tackle major projects in your spouse's deployment. Military families often struggle to get through the day to day, so focus on keeping things simple in the home. Don't expect to paint the house yourself or clean out the garage...these big tasks can wait until your spouse is there to help.

2. Allow your feelings to show.
   
   Crying is okay! Many military wives go through a range of emotions during their husband's deployment. Don't be afraid to let it out.

3. Break up the deployment into smaller time chunks.
   
   Instead of looking at the whole year your spouse will be gone, break it down into smaller time chunks. Take it one week or one month at a time. This will make the time seem less daunting.

4. Accept help from friends and family.
   
   If a neighbor or friend offers to help out around the house or help with the kids, take it! Also, surrounding yourself with friends and family during a military deployment will help pass the time.

5. Utilize military support resources.
   
   There are many military resources for families available on the base, online and around the community. Reach out to the family readiness office for help. Or check out some of the websites listed in the resource section of this article.

[specialk223]

on 10/29/2009 I think it was an excellent article. When becoming a millitary spouse we should be aware of what is in store. Its not easy but if you love them enough then get educated and find ways to cope. I would love more articles such as that. thanks 5 stars

Always stay focused and positive.

[mikeyswifey]

on 10/23/2009 ugh... still doesnt help.. ive read the manual... isnt there like something along the lines of like, military spouses anonymous or something... somewhere i can go and be all like, "hi, my name is melissa, and im a lonely army wife, suffering through my newlywed husbands deployment"

[johnsoncm]

on 10/6/2009 Great information! As a former Marine, and someone who went on deployment to Okinawa without my family, I can relate.

[godfather25]

on 9/23/2009 I like the idea of using support for others. Very difficult for one to be away from a loved one. Great read.

[ginamichellesat]

on 9/21/2009 Very needed article, so glad you wrote it! 5 stars!