Deployment

Separation Tips
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Separation Tips: Introductionline

Tough On Families

Separation can be extremely stressful. Guard families may experience so many different emotions when it is time for deployment. It’s not uncommon for everyone to feel a sense of loss, mild depression and even anger. This is the time for families to take a few moments to talk about what everyone is feeling. It is a good time to determine whether more help is needed in getting through the separation process.

Some of the symptoms associated with separation anxiety include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Eating constantly
  • Unplanned weight loss or gain
  • Stomach pains
  • Sleeplessness or a disruption of sleep patterns

Remember, within a few weeks, when everyone starts to adjust to the idea of being separated, most of these symptoms will disappear. Everyone will establish new routines and experience normal highs and lows associated with everyday living. Talking with family members before deployment will help you and your family adjust to the idea of being away.

Tough on Service Members

This is a busy time for the men and women being deployed . Your emotions range from excitement to apprehension about the challenges of your new assignment. It’s not unusual to have a delayed reaction to the idea of being separated from your family.

As your adjust to the prospects of leaving home, you may feel:

  • Moody
  • Forgetful
  • Angry

Just like with your family, these and other emotions will pass in a week or two. However, depending upon the workload and pressure related to your work, a mild depression may occur later.

The Guard Family Program has prepared some information on how to reduce the stress of separation as much as possible.

Click on a topic on the right for more detailed information. External links to other useful web sites are also provided.