How do partners manage emotional cycles linked to pre-deployment anxiety and post-deployment readjustment?
Pre-deployment anxiety is a natural reaction for both military personnel and their loved ones when they are preparing to be sent away from each other. It can include feelings of fear, sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness, worry, stress, isolation, hopelessness, depression, helplessness, and more. These emotions may lead to physical symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, muscle tension, digestive issues, headaches, and other health problems. During this time, communication between partners becomes vital to support each other's mental health, but it can also become difficult due to conflicting emotions and concerns about the future. Partners should try to express their needs openly and honestly without blaming or criticizing each other. They should seek help if necessary from friends, family members, therapists, or other professionals.
The reunion after deployment can bring its own set of emotions that can create conflict between partners. The soldier may feel relieved to finally see his/her partner again, while the partner may feel stressed or anxious about how much has changed during their absence. The partner may resent the soldier for being gone and may not want to talk about what happened during the deployment at first.
It is important to discuss these feelings with each other in order to work through them together.
After-effects of deployment can last months or even years and affect both partners' mental and physical wellbeing. This can manifest as mood swings, irritability, hypervigilance, nightmares, sleep disturbances, flashbacks, dissociation, substance abuse, risky behavior, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can be difficult for partners who have experienced trauma themselves, whether directly or indirectly, to understand the changes in their loved one's personality or behaviors. Partners must take care of themselves by setting boundaries, seeking professional help, engaging in self-care activities such as exercise, hobbies, meditation, journaling, prayer, or art therapy. They must also make time for their relationship to maintain closeness and connection through date nights, vacations, massages, counseling, etc.
While pre-deployment anxiety and post-deployment readjustment are common among military couples, it does not mean the end of the relationship. By communicating openly, practicing self-care, and working on the relationship, partners can overcome these challenges and strengthen their bond. With patience, understanding, and effort, they can rebuild trust and intimacy while supporting each other through this difficult time.
How do partners manage emotional cycles linked to pre-deployment anxiety and post-deployment readjustment?
When a partner has a spouse who is about to be deployed, they may experience various emotions such as fear, sadness, loneliness, anger, and anxiety. These feelings can cause tension within the relationship and make it difficult for them to communicate effectively with each other. To cope with these emotional cycles, partners must find ways to support each other and maintain a strong connection despite the distance between them.