CYCLES OF DEPLOYMENT
PRE DEPLOYMENT PHASE
STAGE COMMON REACTIONS COPING STRATEGIES
1-6 weeks prior to departure:
Anticipation of Loss
Provides a mean to put some sort
of emotional distance between
each other in preparation for living
apart.
- Fluctuations in energy levels and
mood
- Fantasizing
- Feelings of sadness, anger,
excitement, depression
- Feel and express all emotional
responses
- Encourage all family members
to share their feelings
- Involve the whole family in
preparing for the separation
- Participate in a pre-deployment
briefing and activities at the
local MFRC
- Create opportunities for warm,
lasting memories such as
picture taking
- Set realistic goas for the
deployment period
Final weeks before deployment:
Detachment and Withdrawal
May be the most difficult stage in
many ways
- Reduced emotional and sexual
intimacy
- Feelings of despair;
hopelessness, impatience,
numbness
- Accept feelings as normal
reactions to challenging
circumstances
- Communicate as openly and as
honestly as possible
- Be patient
- Keep the last day for family time
- Ignore rumours and rely on
official sources of information
