Discovering Fulfillment
Despite Deployment

Deployment is a part of military life, however, this knowledge doesn’t make the experience any easier. Feelings surrounding deployment can be complicated, soldiers may feel excitement and a sense of duty or pride. They may also feel apprehensive, sad and even afraid. All of these feelings are natural. Many feelings are felt by partners and family members as well. Being the one who stays home can feel complicated. Deployment can be an overwhelming time that involves loneliness and pressure due to extensive separation, changes in parenting roles, changes in emotional support and even disruption in your family life.

While deployments are challenging, so is reintegrating back into the family. While this time can be challenging, it can also be a time for growth. 

Challenges Faced by Military Spouses

Little can be more difficult for a couple than to be away from each other for an indefinite period of time. It can be even harder if one is deployed to a dangerous area. Certainly, it is far from ideal. In fact, there aren’t many things as challenging as getting through a deployment. 

This time can bring uncertainty and overwhelm. As a military spouse you know deployments are likely and odds are you’re rather independent. Military life makes us so. Despite being capable and competent, managing a household on your own can be remarkably overwhelming. You can feel alone and struggle to reach out and ask for help. You may not even know who to ask for help if you’re new to an area or haven’t had time to build a support system there.

At the same time, deployment can also be a time for new opportunities and growth. We always have a choice in what we focus on. There will be hard times, however, there can also be good ones. During a deployment you and your spouse can find new ways to connect, you can focus on a goal of your own, you can continue to build a life together even though it will look and feel different. 

All this is possible, but it’s also hard to do on your own. Counseling can help.

Reaching Out for Help

There are a number of resources for military spouses. You may find support there, or possibly wish for something more. Finding a therapist that is right for you can create a safe space for you to process how you are feeling and find ways to focus on how you can grow during this time. 

Carolina Counseling Services in Fayetteville, NC contracts with caring licensed therapists who can help. Many are military spouses or former military themselves. You aren’t alone. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment.

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Jaime Johnson Fitzpatrick LCMHCS, LCAS is one of the Owners and Vice Presidents of Carolina Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in the State of North Carolina as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in State of New York. Jaime is also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and utilizes various other approaches in her practice.