Lose the Tech…for a While
And while we’re talking about social media…sometimes it’s really healthy to get away from technology. During deployment, that can be excruciatingly hard when all you want is a phone call or a text message from your spouse.
Still, life in front of a screen isn’t the healthiest way to live life and can actually contribute to stress, fatigue, depression and other mental health issues.
Find times where you can ditch the phone and laptop without guilt.
Be Spontaneous
Give your family’s routine a shot in the arm and be spontaneous.
Waffles for dinner? Awesome.
A sneak-attack on your kids with water balloons? Yes!
Visiting a local site you’ve been meaning to check out? Do it!
A little surprise can be just the thing you need to add a little joy.
Ask for Help
Military spouse mental health during deployment is an important topic that we often don’t talk about. A 2008 study on suicide “found that 40 percent believed their mental health was hurt by their husband’s or wife’s service overseas.”
“About 25% of respondents had regular issues with sleeplessness, anxiety and depression.”
If you find yourself struggling and need to talk to someone, seek out the support you need with mental health resources.
Find Support
Finally, remember to lean on the people who love you: your family and friends, even if they’re not military affiliated.
If they don’t understand what you’re going through, tell them. If they don’t know what you need, let them know.
It can be hard to accept help, but go out on a limb and allow other people to care for you.
This is far from a complete list.
What helps you get through a deployment rough patch? What advice can you give to someone dealing with it for the first time?
Now read… 9 Lively GIFs of Solo Activities for the Military Spouse
