The Emotional Cycle of Deployment
Understanding the Emotional Cycle and Its Impact on Military Families
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We will discuss the impact of deployment on intimate relationships, the long-term effects on mental health, and communication strategies during deployment. You will also understand the importance of self-care and resilience during this difficult time.
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About the Book
This book was a labor of love that took way too long to reach the surface, but I am grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences and insights with others going through similar journeys. In the following chapters, we will discuss a range of topics related to deployments, including preparation and communication strategies, coping techniques for dealing with separation, deployment emotions, reunions, and tips for maintaining strong relationships amidst the challenges of military life. Whether you are a military spouse, significant other, or family member, I hope this book can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate the ups and downs of deployments. Understanding of the stages of deployment can help to prevent crises, minimize the need for command or mental health intervention, and can reduce suicidal ideation. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. At some points, the journeys feels hard, but you have done hard before and you grew through those hard and challenging moments. We can make it through anything together. Sometimes, the deployment story/reality is sad, scary, and lonely, and will test our desire and will to continue down this path. Looking back, there is no other way I would have wanted to do the last twenty years. There were challenges, there were hardships, and our kids struggled at times, but in reality, they are much more prepared to cope with the roller coaster of this crazy world. Let’s dive in and explore the life of deployments!
About the Author
Allison Bratton, MS, LPC, earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and organizational development from American InterContinental University and a Master’s Degree in marriage and family therapy and professional Christian counseling from Grand Canyon University. She’s worked in various positions during her husband’s many stations and deployments, including as a licensed practicing counselor in her practice in Silverton, Oregon. Bratton and her husband, Derek, now retired from twenty years in the military, have three children.