Being An Air Force Wife

This is the third post in my “blog mini-series” about the preparation for the much anticipated reunion with my deployed husband. You can also see Operation Homecoming- Part One and Part Two.

How to get back to “NORMAL”

The return of your spouse from a deployment means the embrace of family and friends, and resuming everyday life. Even before the rejoicing over your troops safe return subsides, you’ll both be trying to find your way back to what’s normal again.

1. Realize the reunion is more than just coming home. It’s a major event for the people in his life — maybe even bigger than the separation. In fact, research shows that reunion can cause more stress in people’s lives than deployment. That’s not to say that returning service members and their family and friends aren’t happy about the homecoming. They’re usually ecstatic. The stress comes from the changes that have taken place and concern for what life will now be like.
2. View stress as normal. Returning to everyday life is a major change, and change always creates stress. If accepted and handled constructively, stress can be turned into a source of excitement and enthusiasm about new beginnings with family and friends.
3. Go slowly. Take time to ease back into your routine. Consider putting off major decisions until you’ve had plenty of time to readjust.
4. Communicate with others. Talking with others about your experiences and what you’re feeling can help relieve stress. It’s not a sign of weakness. Talk with a trusted relative, friend, faith leader or family services staffer.
5. Take care of your physical health. Get plenty of rest and exercise, eat properly, and avoid drugs and excessive drinking.
6. Do things you find relaxing. Attend a concert or take a long soak in the tub. Be kind to yourself.
7. Start the rebuilding process together. Do it as a family. Make the decision that this time will serve to make you and your family even stronger. Get involved in positive activities that encourage togetherness and reassurance.
8. Expect something of a letdown. Most, if not all, service members experience it. It simply means that you’re no longer running on pure adrenalin and that things are beginning to settle down. Or, it may mean that the homecoming hasn’t solved all the problems that existed before the mobilization. Possibly, your reunion didn’t go the way you thought it would. Whatever the reason, it’s perfectly normal to feel this way. However, if this feeling doesn’t go away, it could be a sign of something more serious.

military, deployment, reunion