The Hidden Struggles of Military Families: Coping with Deployments, Role Shifts, and Mental Health

Military families face unique challenges that can be difficult to navigate. Disruptions in routine, frequent moves, and long absences of family members, parents, or spouses can introduce new challenges not faced by civilian families or individuals. These challenges can present unique barriers to mental health and family functioning that can have long-lasting impacts on family dynamics.

Role changes during deployments can pose significant impact on dynamics, functioning, and mental/emotional health in military families (nvhs.org). During deployments, the absence of the deployed family member can often create stressors. The spouse that remains home during the deployment is left to take on various responsibilities within the home, as well as the role of both parents if there are children within the family. Older children in these households may feel pressure to step into a more “adult” role, helping out more around the home and acting as additional support for the parent. Adversely, it is not uncommon for some children to experience anxiety or behavioral issues due to changes in routine and parental roles. Anxiety, depressed mood, and sleep disturbances are not uncommon when a family member is deployed, especially early on.

The return of the deployed family member can also cause some disruption. New routines and roles have been established in their absence, which can lead to growing pains when they come home. Family members can often feel anxious or overwhelmed when the family member returns, as they try to resume their routines and roles from before the deployment. The deployed family member can often feel displaced or adrift upon returning home, as they make the transition from “mission” mode to their home life.

These challenges can often seem overwhelming, but there are amazing services available for these families and their unique needs. These services and supports can serve to alleviate some stressors associated with deployments. These services include therapy, support groups, and aid with utilities and housing. There are even classes/groups for families preparing for deployment, or for families who are reunited following one. Military families are resilient in ways that most can only imagine, and these services provide the support they need in order to thrive.