Being a military spouse comes with its own unique set of challenges and sacrifices, right? One of the toughest parts of this lifestyle is the frequent and prolonged separations from our loved ones.I know it can be really tough and trigger feelings of anxiety and distress, which is what we call separation anxiety. But don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through it all.
In this blog, we’re going to explore the causes and symptoms of separation anxiety in military spouses, and I’ll give you some coping strategies to help you navigate through these challenging times. We’ll even talk about the importance of building resilience and offer support for military spouses during deployment separations.
Whether you’re a seasoned military spouse or new to this lifestyle, this guide aims to give you valuable insights and resources, so you can manage separation anxiety and thrive while your spouse is away.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a common issue faced by military spouses, and it’s important to understand what causes it and what the symptoms are. Being separated from our husbands who are deployed can be incredibly challenging. It can make us feel anxious, lonely, and uncertain.
Causes
One of the main causes of separation anxiety in military spouses is the fear of the unknown. Not knowing what he is experiencing or when he’ll return can create a sense of unease and worry. And let’s not forget about the constant change and unpredictability of military life, which can also contribute to our anxious feelings.
Symptoms
Now, the symptoms of separation anxiety can vary, but some common ones include difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, irritability, and trouble concentrating. I know it can feel overwhelming and affect our daily lives, but remember that we have resources and support available to help us through it.
During a deployment, it’s completely normal to experience difficult emotions like anxiety, loneliness, and worry. But hey, we’ve got this! Coping strategies are super important during this time to manage these emotions and keep our marriages strong.
Coping
One strategy that can really help is lightening our workload. Deployment is a stressful time, and it’s crucial to reduce the pressure of perfection where we can. We can outsource tasks like dog walking, and yard work, to free up some time and energy, so we can prioritize our well-being and not overwhelm ourselves.
It’s also a good idea to have a list of non-negotiables for each day, so that you don’t fall into a slump. Daily tasks such as making your bed, getting dressed, and cooking 1 meal can go a long way in feeling accomplished and productive when overcoming anxiety. Maybe you don’t want to put on a full face of makeup and spend hours on your hair, but slipping on an easy dress or leisurely put-together outfit will boost your confidence and keep you moving.
Building Resilience
I won’t lie, deployment separations can be tough. The emotional strain, coupled with the physical distance, can often lead to feelings of isolation and stress. But guess what? We can build resilience and find support during these periods of separation.
One way, is by spending time doing the things we enjoy. What are your hobbies? Take some time everyday, and work on your arts and crafts, attend a fitness class, practice the piano-whatever it is! Focus on a goal. Improving your run time, reupholstering a chair, reading 5 books. Goals will help shift your focus during separation, and improve your mood.
I also recommend reaching out to fellow milspouses. No one can support you quite like someone who’s been in your shoes. They can talk you through your anxiety, or just lend an ear or a shoulder. They can also, distract you and support you. All you have to do is ask.
Conclusion
To summarize, separation anxiety is a common and understandable challenge that many military spouses face during deployments. But guess what? We’ve got the strength to endure it all. By understanding what causes and triggers separation anxiety, and by implementing coping strategies and building resilience, we can navigate through these difficult times with strength and support.
Remember, you’re never alone on this journey, sis. There are resources available to help us through separation anxiety. Seek support from other military spouses, consider counseling services, and prioritize self-care. We’re resilient and capable individuals who can overcome any challenge that comes our way.
Stay strong, lean on your support network, and always remember that you’re amazing! You’ve got this, and I’m right here with you every step of the way.
Looking for stability in this chaotic military life? Check out this guide for my tips.
