The last couple of weeks have been filled with worldwide tension as Russia invaded Ukraine
We have watched in horror and sadness as the Ukrainian people have fled from their homes and been separated from their family, friends, and loved ones, but also united together to protect their homeland. And while our hearts are breaking for the people of Ukraine, many military spouses’ anxieties and worries are running high for their own reasons.
Military conflict has a way of stirring up our fears because of the unknowns of what the conflict may mean for our own families.
You may be a military spouse and are feeling anxious and triggered by the invasion of Ukraine. If so, that is completely understandable.
If you’ve experienced a deployment in the past, you may find yourself replaying memories, fears, and worries from that time. If your military service member has been put on a 10-day or 24-hour recall notice, you may feel on edge and unsettled about if – or when – they may have to leave. Your life may feel very unpredictable and scary right now, and if you’re feeling extremely worried, you are not alone. It is normal to have heightened anxiety during such uncertain times, but here are several things you can do to help cope with your anxiety as a military spouse.
Review Your Plans With Your Spouse
Knowing the plans you have established and put in place for if your spouse deploys is very important. While it can feel uncomfortable to talk about the what-ifs, make sure you have signed power of attorney forms and copies of any wills that have been completed. Make sure you have all passwords and logins for bank accounts and other accounts you may need to access if your spouse gets deployed. Reminding yourself of the plans that are in place and the ways you are prepared for a possible deployment can provide some reassurance of logistics that don’t need additional attention or worry from you.
Be Gentle With Yourself
If you are feeling anxious, worried, and overwhelmed, it is okay. Give yourself space to take care of yourself mentally and emotionally by lowering your expectations for yourself during this uncertain time. If you’re struggling to get through the day due to fear about your service member’s safety, it is okay to take the day off from work.
If you had planned to cook a full course meal for dinner but you are having a hard time focusing through the day, give yourself permission to order take out. Maybe you feel short and on edge with your kids. Remind yourself that you are under a lot of stress right now, and it’s understandable that your fuse may be short. It is okay if you have to take things moment by moment and day by day for right now if your worry feels especially heavy at this time.
Talk About the Anxiety You Feel
It can be tempting to keep your feelings inside when you’re feeling anxious about your service member’s safety as a way to avoid the anxious thoughts. But trying to tell yourself to not feel anxious doesn’t actually make your worries go away. Talk with other military spouses about your thoughts and what you are experiencing. They may also be feeling on edge and worried, and they can probably relate to how you’re feeling. Share with your family or friends about your anxieties and give yourself permission to say, “I’m not okay right now.”
While talking with other military spouses about your worries and sharing with friends and family can help you to begin processing your thoughts, it can also be helpful to talk with a therapist about your anxieties. Having an anxiety counselor to support you during this uncertain time is a great resource to help you cope, and Tricare provides coverage for both in-person and online therapy.
Begin Anxiety Treatment in Louisiana, Hawaii, Florida, Or Colorado
You don’t have to cope with these shocking times without support. I offer anxiety treatment and a variety of services in the states of Hawaii, Florida, Louisiana, and Colorado. If you are ready to start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:
Schedule a free 15-minute consult via phone or video
Start healing from the comfort of home!
Other Services Offered With Ashley Comegys, LCSW
I offer a variety of mental health services for the residents of Colorado, Hawaii, Florida, and Louisiana. These services include therapy for anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, trauma, and grief. I also offer online postpartum support, and therapy for military spouses. Learn more by visiting my blog or about page today!