How do I get through this?

[PMI]

.....

 

[bailadora]

I have no real advice to offer, but I did want you to know that you and your family have my utmost respect.

That said, are you aware of this thread? I understand it's frequented by current and retired military and their families. Perhaps the folks there will be able to offer some support. Praying for your sanity and his safety.

B

 

[phelon]

alchohol with a friend for a Vent night or some such is one thing...

but it has downsides.. so you want to be careful. it can have long term problems if you repeat often, it also can put you in bad situations

usually there are area help groups that can provide some support... family and friends also can help.

 

[Sinsatiable]

My best friend suggested alcohol...

Temporary remedy. Not a cure.
Can lead to the more complicated disease: alcoholism.

Sucks yeah.

But if you must: Tequila, iced cold. Less chance of hangover or other side effects as compared to other choices.

Warning: The down sucks. Can leave a person in even deeper depression. It's not a cure, just a temp fix to take the edge off.

Now 420... not bad either. Beware of other unprescribed remedies, by the way.

Better advice: Seen your family Doc'? Might help. Talk to them and perhaps look into mild antidepressents.

 

[HowMayIPleaseU]

there are many boards out there as support for military spouses...

write letters every single day... send care packages... involve your kids... put up a calendar and x off the days... check with your military ombudsman for support and suggestions...

don't take the alcohol route. Little good comes of it...

do focus on being the best person you can be during SO's absence and try to get some projects done while they are gone....

take it one day at a time and remember as bad as you have it, SO has it much worse... keep them and your kids as your primary focus.

 

[Monazwx]

(i) Remember the good times
(ii) Do something different every day
(iii) Count the days til their return

 

[wideeyedgrin]

Talk to friends, talk to the base ombudsman, talk to families that have been through this with Vietnam, Korea, World War 2, and the first Gulf War. If you can't find a starting point, go to this web site: http://www.militaryonesource.com/skins/MOS/home.aspx (copy and paste it to your browser window).

Start with the help now, don't wait until you feel overwhelmed. The meetings, lectures and pamphlets that you should have received pre-deployment can only do so much, it's reaching out to people that have been through this that has the best benefit.

 

[bookworm1966]

are there any community activities that you can become involved in to take your mind off the absence?

 

[PMI]

.....

 

[bailadora]

That is good news, PMI. Wishing the pair of you an extra bright holiday season.

 

[tenchikoi]

One way that I've found to help cope with having a loved one away on service is to do volunteer work that would benefit them. Help put together care packages for the soldiers, have the kids send cards/letters/photos. But please don't turn to anything self destructive to help you cope. There's plenty to do in your community to help keep your mind off of it.