INSTALLATION STATUS: Welcome to the 13th Sustainment Command (Expenditionary)(Provisional) web presence. For post information please call: 254-287-1110. If you notice any Suspicious Activity report it to: 254-288-COPS.

Welcome to the 13th Sustainment Command (Expenditionary) web presence. For post information please call: 254-287-1110. If you notice any Suspicious Activity report it to: 254-288-COPS.

Welcome to Family Readiness

 

Preparing for Separation


Family EatingThere is no denying that the military lifestyle, especially unexpected deployments, can disrupt the family unit. As soldiers prepare to deploy and leave, military families may experience:

 

  • denial or shock - disbelief and numbness
  • anger - frustration with separation demands; feeling guilty about the military, spouse, and job
  • guilt - for not saying or doing more before the deployment, or children may feel they caused the departure
  • depression - intense sadness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and withdrawal from the routine
  • acceptance - realize and accept the situation, resolve to continue on positively, confidence in handling day-to-day living, awareness of increase in self-esteem and personal abilities

Knowing these feelings are normal and can help families cope. These stages normally occur in the order above; however, setbacks to previous stages can be triggered by a number of causes. Individual situations and types of deployment can influence the intensity and duration of each stage.

 

How to Manage Separation

 

  • Take good care of yourself and stay safe.
  • Make sure you eat right.
  • Shop and cook for nutrition.
  • Get enough rest.
  • Make time for physical exercise - walk daily, join an aerobics class, jog, bowl, etc.
  • Treat yourself to a special outing - dinner, a movie, a shopping trip, or a night out. You deserve it!
  • Don't go on spending binges, or run up a large phone bill.
  • Help manage stress by setting aside time to do something that you enjoy every day.
  • Avoid trying to do everything yourself.
  • Take advantage of military community support. Call people in your FRG when you need to talk.
  • Contact family, friends, neighbors, and spouses of other deployed soldiers whenever you need practical or emotional support.

Get Involved In:Family Eating

  • an activity
  • a hobby
  • a project
  • Church
  • volunteering

Talk about your feelings, doubts, and fears with a trusted friend, neighbor, coworker, or other spouses.

Seek professional help if you feel overwhelmed by your emotions, or if you suspect that someone in the family is having emotional problems.