Dear Mindy, Help Preparing for Deployment

Dear Mindy Besides Yellow Ribbon, what other resources are out there for preparing for deployments for families when this is our first deployment, and my husband is going to a combat zone? What can I expect from our relationship when he returns home? Will our lives change as much as I have heard from other military spouses? I worry about intimacy or lack of . Is this true what they say? I worry our relationship will suffer and it will not be back to normal. Are there things I can do to prepare for this? Sincerely, Help Preparing for Deployment Dear Help Preparing for Deployment, Oh My GOSH YES. There are a ton of resources. More and more people are coming out with programs to help not only the service member, but the spouses and children as well. Being nervous about the relationship is something we all struggle with before, during and after deployments . Every case is different and finding what works for your family is key. I highly suggest looking towards your base resources. Every base has a family advocacy center. Speaking to a chaplain if you are religious can be very beneficial. Keeping the lines of communication open between you and your spouse is also important. Talk to your service member about expectations, limitations, and how you feel. Be open minded to their thoughts and suggestions as well. Having a strong support system around you is huge during the deployment. Surrounding yourself with positive friends and family that will help keep you grounded, focused and busy!!!!! My very first GO TO would have to be Military OneSource . It has so many resources available on just one website. The Yellow Ribbon Program, Sesame Street CD's and DVD's for the children, Pre Deployment, during deployment and post deployment information. A wealth of knowledge right at your fingertips. In-Dependent helps connect spouses through health and wellness resources. They have seminars and virtual help available. The concept of 5 military spouses who came together to be the resource for many. Fellow Spouse of the Year Sugin Musgrave has a great blog, Sugin's Corner . Military.com has a list by branch for tons of websites. This includes ombudsman's, Key spouses, FRG and more. An amazing game was given to me at this year Military Spouse of the Year Town Hall called Warrior Spirit . It is an interactive game that can help with transition and integration from return of deployments. And of course right here at Military Spouse Magazine . You will find helpful articles and links to just about anything, written for and by military spouses. Many of our writers have written about the EXACT subjects that you are asking about. Good Luck and as always, We've got your six! Connect with us on Facebook!

Dear Mindy, Help Preparing for Deployment

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