Deployment is stressful for military families even under the best of circumstances. As families prepare for deployment, anxiety can escalate with concerns over separation, job absence, financial stability, and general well-being. Additionally, in the Guard and Reserve, distance and isolation from military installations make it more difficult for family members to access available resources to support them during the separation. Visit the Guard Family Online Community for more information on preparing for deployment.
Separation Tips
Tough on Families….
Separation can be extremely stressful. Guard families may experience so many different emotions when it is time for deployment. It’s not uncommon for everyone to feel a sense of loss, mild depression and even anger. This is the time for families to take a few moments to talk about what everyone is feeling. It is a good time to determine whether more help is needed in getting through the separation process.
Some of the symptoms associated with separation anxiety include:
- Loss of appetite
- Eating constantly
- Unplanned weight loss or gain
- Stomach pains
- Sleeplessness or a disruption of sleep patterns
Remember, within a few weeks, when everyone starts to adjust to the idea of being separated, most of these symptoms will disappear. Everyone will establish new routines and experience normal highs and lows associated with everyday living. Talking with family members before deployment will help you and your family adjust to the idea of being away.
Tough on Service Members…
This is a busy time for the men and women being deployed . Your emotions range from excitement to apprehension about the challenges of your new assignment. It’s not unusual to have a delayed reaction to the idea of being separated from your family.
As you adjust to the prospects of leaving home, you may feel:
- Moody
- Forgetful
- Angry
Just like with your family, these and other emotions will pass in a week or two. However, depending upon the workload and pressure related to your work, a mild depression may occur later.
The Guard Family Program has prepared some information on how to reduce the stress of separation as much as possible. To learn more, visit the Guard Family Program Online Community.
Reunion
Yellow ribbons, homecoming parties, family celebrations! Reunion is a joyous occasion. However, it can also be a very tense one. In fact, most military families find that the reunion is more stressful than the separation.
Both the service member and the spouse may have unrealistic expectations that could make the period of readjustment longer and more difficult. And children, too, experience a variety of feelings upon a parent’s return. Seeing change as positive is one way to manage the adjustment phase. This can be accomplished through communication and by examining your priorities. Click on a Reunion topic from the list provided on the Guard Family Program Online Community for further tips to make readjustment easier and reduce stress levels.
Click here to request a Reunion Packet.
TRICARE Transitional Assistance Management Program
During the Reunion Process, many family members wonder how will our healthcare benefits change. The Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) offers transitional TRICARE coverage to certain separating active duty members and their eligible family members. Care is available for a limited time. Please visit the hyperlink above to learn more about TAMP.
North Carolina is located in North Region. 1-877-TRICARE.
Visit TRICARE Website at www.tricare.mil.
The Deployment Cycle & Well-being
The deployment process is comprised of five phases, challenging and sometimes confusing for both the service member and family. Adequate information and understanding expectations can help you endure and cope with this experience, hopefully making the transition from one stage to the next more smoothly. Visit Military Homefront web portal to learn more.
