Discussion: Stress and Anxiety in Military Spouses.
Scenario 1:
I’m nervous for him to come home. I’ve been calm for the last 8 months. I’ve had the house in order. When he comes home, it’s like he disrupts it. He leaves his clothes everywhere and expects me to wait on him. It feels like I have four kids, including my husband. He’s coming home soon, and I feel mixed up. I love him and want him home, but I cringe at the thought of how our life is going to change. To make matters worse, my neighbor, whose wife deployed, has been making passes at me. I’ve ignored him, but our kids play together and are in the same school classes and youth ministry at church. It’s hard to create the distance.
Scenario 2
I’ve never been a stay-at-home anything. But I got used to it. She’s been in the desert for 2 years now. I also manage the household—I cook, clean, and take care of our three kids. I learned how to braid my daughter’s hair, which was a feat. Taking care of three children is not easy. They each have their own stressors and issues as well. I can never watch football, and I’m burning cookies and cakes I have to make for birthday parties. My kids are certainly frustrated with me and needing their mom back as well. And I’m going crazy without sex. There are days I just want to lock myself in the
For this Discussion, select one of the two scenarios. While they may seem simplistic, they are very accurate and can produce a great deal of anxiety and stress for each of the spouses and children on a daily basis. Keep in mind, not everyone is able to manage the military life effectively. As a helping professional, consider how you might assist these spouses in dealing with their stress and anxiety utilizing coping strategies specific to military life.
By Day 3
Identify the scenario you selected.
Explain how you, as a helping professional, might first approach this individual who is coming to you for support.
How might you also support the kids?
Describe one coping strategy you might recommend to assist this individual and his or her children in addressing stress and anxiety.
