Keeping Your Sanity While Keeping The Homefront Running
November 3rd 2006 17:26
As a military spouse one of the toughest things to do is keep everything running smoothly at home while trying to keep what little sanity you have left in tact.
Between work, trying to raise kids, pay the bills and keep your spouse supplied with whatever it is they might need at the time it takes a huge toll on the person left behind to hold life together. Depression among military spouses and children is very common and all to often not addressed. Make sure your children have an outlet with someone they can trust and if you are noticing changes in behavior that last for more than a couple of weeks it is a good idea to seek professional help.
More often than not the last person a military spouse takes care of is themselves: count on it, you are going to be overwhelmed. There is nothing wrong with asking for or seeking help.
You are not the only person in the world who can't do it all on their own.
Family and friends are incredibly important during a deployment, not just for the service but also for their families. Reach out and ask them for help with the kids or other chores around the house.
Parents often feel as if they need to be the only caregiver for their children if they are not working. This is a good way to burn out very fast. Ask a family member to take the kids for a day so you can relax and catch your breath. Relaxing does not mean cleaning the house or cutting the lawn, it means take some time out for you. Read a book, go for a walk or just take a long hot bath. Whatever it is that you need just for you.
Many tend to take on many extra tasks while their spouse is away. Often it involves fundraising for the troops or something of the sort. Know when to say no. If you have been out every weekend for the past month, you are probably doing too much. it is not your job to take care of everyone and everything, give yourself a break and don't feel guilty for saying no.
The best way to help your spouse is to take care of yourself.
Between work, trying to raise kids, pay the bills and keep your spouse supplied with whatever it is they might need at the time it takes a huge toll on the person left behind to hold life together. Depression among military spouses and children is very common and all to often not addressed. Make sure your children have an outlet with someone they can trust and if you are noticing changes in behavior that last for more than a couple of weeks it is a good idea to seek professional help.
You are not the only person in the world who can't do it all on their own.
Family and friends are incredibly important during a deployment, not just for the service but also for their families. Reach out and ask them for help with the kids or other chores around the house.
Parents often feel as if they need to be the only caregiver for their children if they are not working. This is a good way to burn out very fast. Ask a family member to take the kids for a day so you can relax and catch your breath. Relaxing does not mean cleaning the house or cutting the lawn, it means take some time out for you. Read a book, go for a walk or just take a long hot bath. Whatever it is that you need just for you.
Many tend to take on many extra tasks while their spouse is away. Often it involves fundraising for the troops or something of the sort. Know when to say no. If you have been out every weekend for the past month, you are probably doing too much. it is not your job to take care of everyone and everything, give yourself a break and don't feel guilty for saying no.
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