Resilient couples are those who can successfully cope with difficult situations together without breaking apart. In this article, we will discuss how couples can cultivate their resilience during times when one partner is away due to military deployment. We will explore some effective psychological strategies that can be implemented in these circumstances, such as developing strong communication skills, maintaining a positive outlook, setting realistic expectations, seeking social support, and practicing self-care.
Communication is an essential factor in building a healthy relationship, and it becomes even more critical during deployments. Couples should make a conscious effort to stay connected through regular phone calls, emails, video chats, and letters. They should also try to create meaningful activities for themselves while they are physically separated to keep each other's memories alive.
Couples can share daily affirmations or send surprise gifts to remind each other of their love.
They should avoid making assumptions about each other's feelings, instead actively listening and responding thoughtfully to each other's needs.
Maintaining a positive attitude towards life is another strategy that helps build resilience in couples facing repeated deployments. Positive thinking can help them stay hopeful and optimistic, allowing them to overcome challenges. This means focusing on what they have rather than what they lack and appreciating the small things in life. It involves acknowledging and accepting any negative thoughts but not dwelling on them. Instead, they should focus on gratitude for the time they spend together and look forward to the future.
Setting realistic expectations is necessary for managing deployment stress. Both partners must understand that there might be periods where communication is limited, and they may experience emotional ups and downs. Avoid putting pressure on yourself or your partner by unrealistic expectations, such as expecting constant updates or demanding total attention when you meet again. This will lead to disappointment and frustration.
Seeking social support from family members and friends can significantly enhance resilience. Military families can benefit from joining local groups or online communities with others who face similar struggles. These connections provide valuable insights into coping mechanisms and offer emotional support during difficult times. Couples should also seek professional help if they feel overwhelmed or unable to cope alone.
Self-care is crucial for mental health, and it becomes even more significant during military deployments. Partners should prioritize their wellbeing by engaging in activities that promote relaxation and self-reflection, such as exercise, meditation, reading, writing, or journaling. They should take care of themselves physically by eating healthy foods and getting enough sleep.
Practicing mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Building resiliency during repeated deployments requires effort and commitment from both partners. By cultivating strong communication skills, maintaining a positive attitude, setting realistic expectations, seeking social support, and practicing self-care, couples can overcome the challenges of separation and emerge stronger than ever. Remember, resilience is not something that happens magically; it requires intentional action to build and sustain.
What psychological strategies support resilience in couples navigating repeated deployments?
Resilience refers to an individual's ability to cope with adverse life events and bounce back from them. When military spouses are deployed repeatedly, they face several challenges such as loneliness, anxiety, depression, and financial stressors that may threaten their mental health and wellbeing. Therefore, they must develop effective coping strategies to overcome these difficulties and maintain a positive outlook on life.