Pre-Deployment Coping Strategies

• Communicate openly, honestly and often
• Encourage family discussion
• Involve family in many aspects of preparation for separation
• Begin journaling
• Participate in pre-deployment briefings and information sessions
• Take family pictures
• Do low stress but special activities together
• Set realistic goals for yourself during deployment
• Accept your feelings as normal reactions
• Practice patience with yourself and family members
• Keep your last week together free of time consuming and stressful commitments
• Create meaningful family time – quality versus quantity