When you’ve been away from each other for a period of time because a spouse has been deployed, it’s difficult to imagine that the reunion and the time you will have after the return home will be anything but wonderful, but that’s not always (and usually isn’t) the case.
“The longer your spouse has been deployed, and the more danger he’s faced, the more likely you both have changed. Even if the reunion goes as planned, challenges lie ahead.” (Erin Prater)
To read about some of the challenges and ways to combat and over-come those challenges, please click onto the Focus on the Family web site link below (and then read the additional articles this ministry supplies as well to help you with:
• POST DEPLOYMENT: The Short- Term Reality
And then when a spouse has been deployed for a long time it’s important to remember:
“Wars begin where you will, but do not end where you please.” (Machiavelli)
Reunions are wonderful, but you can also find a different war zone that can begin between you if you don’t do what it takes to make your transition time together easier than just coming together and working things out on a “wing and a prayer.”
To help you with this transition in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead, the ministry of Focus on the Family has additional articles you can read. To begin with, please click onto the link to the article below and read the additional
• POST DEPLOYMENT: The Long-Term Reality
And what if there are additional problems, such as what this couple encountered:
“Just back from Iraq, Navy SEAL Mark Waddell suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. And his wife, Marshéle, was clueless how to help.”
Please click onto the following Marriage Partnership Magazine web site link to read:
And from Military.com an article (and additional articles as well) that could help you further in your adjustment time. Please click onto the web site link to read:
• RETURNING TO FAMILY LIFE AFTER MILITARY DEPLOYMENT
One more resource that we’re especially excited to share with you comes from an organization called Operation We Are Here, which helps family and friends of those who are deployed and have come home after being deployed in the military. Please click onto the web site link to read and take advantage of the resources they offer:
• POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER:
What Can a Family Do to Help Their Veteran?
The above article was compiled by Cindy Wright from Marriage Missions International
If you have additional tips you can share to help others in this area of marriage, or you want to share requests for prayer and/or ask others for advice, please “Join the Discussion” by adding your comments below.
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(CANADA) I was deployed to Afghanistan in 2007 for just over 7 mnths. When I returned home my wife informed me that something was definitely wrong. Instead of listening to her and trying to get help I did what I always did and went on as if everything was normal. Now, 3 yrs later and 6 mnths separated, I have been diagnosed with an O.S.I. ( OPERATIONAL STRESS INJURY). There is no short term cure for this besides seeking mental health help and talking to friends and family, but it’s a terrible thing when the one person I want to be there to help me, isn’t.
If you return from overseas and your spouse tells you something is wrong, even if you don’t think there is, go and see a doctor with her and let her explain how she feels. I understand we all come back a little different from our experiences overseas but our families should not have to suffer from this.