Most people have experienced missing important milestone events such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, or funerals due to being away from their loved ones. This can cause significant emotional distress for both the individual who is absent and those they are missing. In this article, I will explain how individuals cope with these feelings when they are deployed overseas for extended periods of time.
One strategy that many soldiers use to manage emotions while away from home is to stay connected through technology. They make sure to keep up with their family's activities through social media posts, video chats, emails, or phone calls. By keeping in touch with loved ones, soldiers feel more connected to them even if they cannot physically be present for special occasions.
Some military units offer virtual celebration options where everyone can participate virtually regardless of location.
Soldiers stationed abroad may be able to watch a virtual birthday party or wedding ceremony via Skype or FaceTime.
Another way individuals address the emotional mourning of missed milestones is by focusing on their own personal goals and achievements. By setting and achieving small victories, soldiers can feel more accomplished and fulfilled despite being far from home. These could include completing tasks related to work or training, exploring new places, making friends among colleagues, or pursuing hobbies. Staying busy and productive can help ease the pain of missing out on important events back home.
It is also common for individuals to turn to humor and lightheartedness to cope with emotional stress. They might joke about the absurdity of missing milestone events or create inside jokes with fellow soldiers based on shared experiences. Laughing at difficult situations can provide a sense of relief and normalcy amidst an abnormal circumstance.
Deployments often require soldiers to form strong bonds with other members of their unit. Sharing mutual support and camaraderie can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation caused by missing important life events back home. Building relationships with others who are going through similar struggles can provide comfort and strength during times of hardship.
While deployed overseas, it's important for individuals to have a plan for how they will handle missed milestones in order to minimize distress and maintain mental health. This may involve staying connected through technology, setting personal goals, finding humor in challenging circumstances, or building support networks within the military community. With time and effort, individuals can adjust to this unavoidable aspect of deployment and continue to thrive personally and professionally.
How do individuals address the emotional mourning of missed milestones that occur while deployed far from home?
One way for individuals to cope with missing out on life events at home is by focusing on what they can control and being mindful of their thoughts and feelings. It may be helpful to set goals and prioritize tasks, maintain routines, and find meaning in daily activities while deployed. Additionally, staying connected with loved ones through phone calls, letters, or virtual communication can provide emotional support and remind them of what's happening back home.