In the military, families face the prospect of having a new life with each “Permanent Change of Station” or PCS. While the opportunity to meet new friends, go to a new school, experience a new job and live in a new neighborhood can be exciting, it can also heartbreaking to say goodbye to everything familiar and comfortable. While moving to a new place can promise new opportunities, it also comes with unknown challenges, making moving both taxing and stressful.

The Constant Change

“The only thing that’s constant is change”, this can be especially true for service men and women, PCS can be a lifestyle. Though change can open a lot of new doors for exploration, leaving a life that you have built with your family is not always an easy thing to do. When you may already have a comfortable, secured life after years of working hard and developing friendships, connections and network in a place, a change may rock your sense of security.

Will you be able to get an equally rewarding job or find a venue to channel your passion? Can your children be happy in a new environment? Will the new neighborhood welcome you and be a safe haven for you and your family?

PCS as an Overwhelming Life Transition

Permanent change of station is something that military families may have accepted as a matter of fact. However, one may never feel “used to” the constant movement. As a defensive stance, some military spouses and children may unconsciously hold back, not wanting to start a new careers or relationships.

Many families can succumbed to the overwhelming transitional stressors and challenges that PCS bring – couples divorce, children develop negative behaviors, emotions can feel uncontrollable, etc. There are, however, many military families that have successfully adjusted to each stressor and problem that come with each move.

Embracing the Changes with a Little Help

There can be no use in resisting the change; PCS can come as part of the “military package. Instead, you may benefit from embracing the culture of change that may feel inherent to the military lifestyle. You may benefit from looking at the movement as a new opportunity to be a better version of yourself. As a parent, you can feel the need to be a pillar of strength for your children. If you find the change too overwhelming, you may benefit from seeking counsel. Talking to a counselor may just make the transition easier, as you rediscover the purpose of the move and begin to view the associated changes in a new light.

Seeking assistance from an independently contracted therapist with Carolina Counseling Service – Fayetteville, NC can be beneficial for both you and your family. You can form a better perspective in regards to the changes brought on by military life. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment.

Related Articles:

• A Change in Child Behavior: Before During and After a PCS move
• Help your Child Survive PCS Challenges
• Understanding How a PCS Move May Effect Military Children