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Military

APPENDIX F

HOW TO SURVIVE DEPLOYMENT

F-1. PLAN FOR DEPLOYMENT BY COMMUNICATING

a. Express your feelings and encourage others to do the same (I love you; I'll miss you; I'm frightened).
b. Plan a family activity or a special family time without distractions.
c. Discuss the budget.
d. Prepare legal matters (update will, power of attorney).
e. Discuss household and automotive maintenance.
f. Determine where your family will reside.

F-2. DEPLOYMENT PRESENTS CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

a. Emotional adjustments.
(1) Personal growth
(2) Discover new sources of inner strength.
b. Added responsibility.
(1) Sharing of all household duties.
(2) Discover hidden interests and abilities.

F-3. KEEP IN TOUCH

a. Write letters often and regularly.
b. Send pictures, the kids' drawings, newspaper articles you found interesting.

F-4. WORK THROUGH EMOTIONS/FIGHT STRESS

a. Try to understand and admit to doubts and fears.
b. Talk about your feelings with a friend, neighbor, co- worker, etc.
c. Take an active role in a social group.
d. If you become totally overwhelmed, seek professional help. THIS IS NOT A SIGN OF WEAKNESS!
e. Spend time with other adults. (Volunteer; take a class; take an inexpensive tour.) DON'T STAY COOPED UP ALONE!

F-5. ADDITIONAL TIPS

a. Take good care of yourself
(1) Eat right.
(2) Get rest and exercise.
(3) Occasionally treat yourself to dinner out.
(4) Set aside time daily for yourself to do something you enjoy.

b. Take good care of your children.
(1) Proper rest, nutrition, and exercise.
(2) Spend time with each child individually.
(3) Arrange for the children to spend time with friends.
(4) Keep a "deployment map."
(5) Let them talk to you about their feelings when they bring up the subject.

c. Think safety and security.
(1) Don't make your spouse's absence a matter of public knowledge.
(2) Keep emergency phone numbers near the telephone.
(3) Contact the military police at the first sign of suspicious activity.

d. Seek help when you need it.
(1) Avoid trying to do everything yourself.
(2) Take advantage of community support.
(3) Contact family, friends or neighbors whenever you need practical or emotional support.
(4) Be aware of danger signs.
(a) In adults - loss of appetite, constant eating, weight loss or gain, sleeplessness.
(b) In children - sleep disturbances, nightmares, appetite problems, bedwetting, discipline/school problems.

Table of Contents
Appendix E: Family Support Group (FSG) Questionnaire
Appendix G: Flow Chart for Helping Distressed Spouses



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