Dealing with Depression When Your Spouse Is Deployed

When your spouse is deployed on a military assignment, depression is far more likely. In fact, one scientific review cites a 6.7% risk that depression will impair your daily functioning. That’s double the risk of a major depressive episode for spouses of deployed soldiers than for the general population!

Depression doesn’t happen for all or even most wives of deployed soldiers, of course. If it happens to you, though, dealing with it has to be a top priority for you. You’ve probably just taken on new roles and responsibilities now that your husband is away, and you need to stay mentally well enough to handle them.

Are You Depressed?

Military spouses face a lot of challenges. It’s just a fact of life. They push through some of the most difficult problems imaginable for many civilians. Like anyone else, though, there may be times when the challenges seem too huge. Depression is one of those times. 

Here are some of the symptoms to watch for:

• Feelings of sadness and hopelessness

• Sleeping or eating too much or too little

• Unexplained weight gain or loss

• Trouble concentrating or making decisions

• Restlessness 

• Irritability

• Fatigue

• Loss of interest in things you usually enjoy

• Aches and pains

• Suicidal thoughts or attempts

• Self-Help for Depression

Interpersonal Therapy

Therapy offers help in dealing with both feelings of depression and finding practical solution to life problems. When you’re dealing with depression during your spouse’s deployment, your marriage is a part of the equation. 

For that reason, interpersonal therapy might be your best counseling choice. Interpersonal therapy for depression focuses on your personal relationships and how they impact your mental health. 

There’s Less Stigma These Days

Getting help for mental conditions used to be risky for servicemembers and their families. The stigma was incredible in years past. Not only could it give you a bad reputation, but it could affect your spouse’s standing at work. 

Now, though, the stigma has decreased. More people in the military understand how the stressors of military life can lead to mental health issues. About 70% of military spouses who had such issues sought treatment. 

Self-Help for Depression

If you have depression, there are a few things you can do on your own. Once you find a therapist near you, they can give you more ideas that are suited specifically to you and your situation. 

In the meantime, here are a few tips to try on your own:

• Get enough exercise; don’t overdo it but start where you are and increase regularly.

• Spend time in nature; the effects of fresh air, sunshine, and natural settings have all been linked to better mental health.

• Maintain your social network; the world can seem scary when you’re depressed, but isolation only makes it worse.

• Limit alcohol use; alcohol affects your mood, and too much drinking can add to your mental health problems.

• Eat healthy foods; comfort foods are an easy answer to depression, but a healthy diet is much more effective.

• Write in a journal; make practical notes and work out your feelings by writing about them.

• Make a routine for your days and stick to it as much as possible.

• Don’t dwell on negative things; once you understand the problem, the answers come just as easily when you’re turning it over in your conscious mind constantly.

• Don’t borrow trouble; let tomorrow’s challenges stay in the future.

• Remember you’re not powerless; take control of what you can.

About the Author
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.