Deployments are never easy, but knowing what to expect and how to prepare can help both you and your Marine survive the separation. Making friends, getting a job and volunteering are great ways to stay busy and make it through the deployment one day at a time. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryan Nygaard)
Deployments are always hard, especially your first deployment. The unknown can really eat away at you when your life seems to be in a state of limbo. Most of us know what it’s like to try to continue our education, have a child, move, or get settled in life. Add a deployment on top of all of life’s complications and it can cause a lot of stress. However, there are a lot of things you can do to lessen the stress of a deployment.
| More: How to make the best care package for your Marine |
- Make connections. You need to have people in your corner. Yes, this means if you don’t know anyone, you’re going to have to put yourself out there. Introduce yourself to neighbors, find your passion. More importantly, hang out with people who have a strong moral compass and don’t get drawn into bad behavior that could possibly fray your relationship with your partner.
- Volunteer. I can’t say how gratifying volunteering can be. Not only are you giving time to a cause you believe it, but it’s experience you can list on your resume. Furthermore, if you are looking to get hired, many job opportunities will open up solely because you volunteered and made connections.
- Get moving.It’s really easy to stay at home and get sucked into watching TV, reading books or crafting. Even on the days you’re
Sgt. Jacob Shepherd, a wireman with the 3rd Marine Regiment Embedded Training Team, holds his 1-year-old son closely after returning to Marine Corps Base Hawaii from a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan, Aug. 21, 2012. Getting involved with other moms during a deployment can help make time go by faster and keep you and your toddler busy. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder)
really depressed and just don’t want to get out of bed — get up, get dressed and go out. Go for a walk, go window shopping, grab a cup of coffee, or go to the gym. You’ll feel so much better getting a little fresh air and being around people, even if you’re not directly interacting with them.
- Keep busy. Start a playgroup or join MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). If you have a young child, keep them engaged with peers and make connections. If you want to meet other moms outside of the Marine Corps, MOPS is a great way to find a diverse group of ladies. One of the biggest misunderstandings about MOPS is that you don’t actually have to have preschoolers. Many MOPS Moms are pregnant or have just had their first baby. You can have a kindergartener and still belong to MOPS. It’s a great nationwide program with built in support and babysitting.
- Have a plan. Don’t start the deployment without having an idea of something you’d like to do. Set some goals for your family. Do you want to save money this deployment? Pay off debt? Finish a project? Whatever it is, talk to your spouse and set a course of action to make it happen. Don’t forget to call your insurance company to see if bumping down your coverage would be beneficial for you.
- Build your relationship. Use this opportunity of your spouse being away to reconnect with them. I highly recommend reading a book together. My husband and I did this on our first deployment and answered questions at the end of each chapter. It really gave us insight into what mattered most for us as individuals so we could better understand what the other person needed in order to find happiness in the relationship.
- Know when to hold back. If your husband is in a combat zone, you may not want to unload your problems at inopportune times. Before you dish the latest happenings, make sure it’s a good time and they’re ready to listen and digest what you have to say.
- Don’t forget to celebrate. Revel the halfway mark or meet up with some girlfriends for a vacation. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but take those little moments and soak them up. Know that there is an end to the deployment and celebrate how far you’ve come. If you’re one of the many spouses who will be celebrating a milestone or holiday alone, plan for it ahead. Don’t find yourself alone, falling in a downward spiral with no friends around.
- If you need help, ask. Everyone’s stress levels are different and there is no normal. If you’re feeling down in the dumps and are having trouble dealing with the daily issues of life, talk to a doctor. There are a lot of free and anonymous ways to ask for help. I highly recommend connecting with Military One Source. They can provide you with counseling, up to eight times for free off-base, with the option for more sessions. Another possibility is using Tricare for a referral. You don’t need to ask your doctor, just call 1-888-TRIWEST (1-888-874-9378).
- Reassure your spouse. Remind your loved one that you’re in for the long haul and tell them you appreciate how hard they’re working. Don’t forget to write letters and send special care packages. Mail always boosts the mood, even if you talk or email with your Marine regularly.
Janna Schickel, wife of Staff Sgt. Matt Schickel, a platoon guide from Company E, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, welcomes her husband home Nov. 15, 2012, at Fort Knox, Ky., upon his return from a six-month deployment to Afghanistan. Celebrating the milestones throughout the deployment can help you cope with the separation and prevent feelings of hopelessness. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Nana Dannsa-Appiah)
Editor’s Note: Kristine Schellhaas is a Marine wife and writer for her blog “USMC Life”, an opinion based website which provides an overview of every major Marine Corps base focusing on providing specific base information, military housing and photos, schools, youth programs and sports, getting to and from each installation and popular links helpful to Marines and their families. The site also provides resources for fiancés and new military spouses, Tricare, military discounts, free money for education, moving and PCS tips, separating from the Corps and more.
-
Marine Overcomes Injury, Deploys to Afghanistan
January 15th, 2013 // By Cpl. Timothy LenzoIn an office surrounded by fences with concertina and dirt roads, one Marine is fulfilling a dream in Afghanistan. Several months before he was scheduled to deploy, Lance Cpl. Anthony Zavala injured his hand, putting [Read more...]
-
2012 Year in Photos
January 8th, 2013 // By Marine Corps Social MediaThe year 2012 marked an important one in Marine Corps history. The Marine Corps returned to its amphibious roots with an emphasis on the Pacific. The Corps put troops on the ground in Australia and [Read more...]
-
2012 Year in Photos (December)
January 8th, 2013 // By Marine Corps Social MediaClose Air Support Santa’s Angels We’ll Be Marines in the Morning War Cry Down by the Bay All Is Calm, All Is Bright JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL [Read more...]
-
2012 Year in Photos (November)
January 8th, 2013 // By Marine Corps Social MediaI’m with Stumpy Happy 237th Birthday Risky Cuts Is it Dusty in Here? Ready, Aim, Fire Field of Marines Birthday Run JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG [Read more...]
-
2012 Year in Photos (October)
January 8th, 2013 // By Marine Corps Social MediaJoyous Reunion A Marine and His Horse Get in Step Don’t Go, Daddy Crocodile Waters Happy and Healthy Suck It Up JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | [Read more...]