Deployments are stressful for everyone involved, including the service member and their loved ones. Fear about the deployment, especially those involving combat, can cause anxiety and stress to bleed into other parts of your loved ones’ lives. Learning how your deployment can affect your loved ones and how you can prepare them for the upcoming event can help your loved ones adjust to your absence.

How Deployments Affect Your Loved Ones

Separating from your loved ones is tough, whether they’re your spouse, sibling, parent, or another family member. If you’re deploying, your loved ones can experience a wide range of emotions after hearing the news, including:

●Sadness

●Anger

●Fear

●Nervousness

●Denial

Each person will react differently. For example, a spouse might withdraw in an attempt to make the transition easier. Others may fixate on the deployment and their fears, which can affect their mental health. While a deployment can be stressful, there are steps you can take to help your loved ones adjust to the transition and your absence.

How You Can Prepare Your Loved One for Deployment

Lessen your loved one’s stress and help them prepare for your upcoming deployment by using the following tips:

1. Fill Them In

Part of the stress that your loved one might be experiencing is due to the unknown. Let your loved one know as much information as you can, such as:

●Where you’re going.

●How long the deployment will last.

●How to contact the Red Cross in an emergency.

While you may be unable to talk about a lot of your deployment, give as much information to your loved ones as you can. This information can help lessen a considerable amount of your loved one’s concerns and fears.

2. Talk About Communication

Your ability to communicate on a deployment might look different to another service member or a previous deployment. Depending on where you’re going and what you’re doing, you may have more or less access to means of communication.

You should talk to your loved ones about what they can expect with communication frequency. Be sure to let them know that communication may be infrequent so they don’t panic or worry if you go without contact for some time.

Recommend different methods of contact apart from phone calls. Letters, emails, and care packages are an excellent way to stay in touch, especially when phone access is limited.

3. Arrange Finances and Childcare

Another part of your loved one’s stress can be attributed to finances and childcare. Your spouse may worry about how they will pay bills, especially if you’re the one who’s typically in charge of managing your finances.

Before you leave, ensure your spouse has access to your passwords and a schedule of bill payments. Preparing this beforehand can alleviate significant stress in your loved one’s life while you’re overseas.

If you have children, you’ll want to arrange childcare, particularly if your spouse also works. Consider reaching out to family members for support. If you live too far away from family, you can look into professional resources so your spouse can continue working.

4. Encourage Your Loved Ones

Even with regular communication, financial arrangements, and childcare, your deployment can still be stressful for your loved one. You should encourage them to seek different ways to deal with the upcoming separation, which can include:

●Spending time with friends and family

●Learning a new skill or hobby

●Talk to other spouses or family who have experienced a deployment

●Finding a support group

●Talking to a professional

●Maintaining a healthy routine

5. Plan for Your Return

You should let your loved one know there will be an adjustment period when you return home. It will take time to return to your old schedule and your loved ones to get used to a new routine. Remind yourself and your loved ones to practice patience while you adjust, focusing on the positives rather than any negatives or challenges.

Find Your Deployment Gear at Military Luggage Company

Give your loved one peace of mind knowing you’re prepared for your upcoming deployment. The right bag can make a huge difference when carrying your gear and traveling overseas. Feel more confident about your upcoming deployment with a bag from Military Luggage Company.

We stock a comprehensive selection of tactical gear for deployments, including duffle bags, 3-day assault packs, loadout bags, backpacks, rucksacks, and so much more. Browse our complete selection today, or contact us with your questions!