How do you (military wives/girlfriends) cope with deployments?

I do not envy you. My husband was gone for six months (just before we married) and honestly - I went home to my mom. It's hard... no one can tell you any differently. You didn't mention which branch you were dealing with but most of them have "wives" groups which lend support for those depressed or down times.

I don't have any children - so I worked all the time. Took a second job and put in something like 60 hours a week. Saved a ton of money and went to England for 10 days. It took about 4 months to do it but it was something to look forward to that WASN'T attached to my husband.

I'm sure you hear the same things all the time... hobbies, friends, etc. If you truly feel you're having trouble coping, Tricare offers mental health support, no referral necessary, no charge, no questions asked. You can go to someone off base. Talk to your med center if that's an issue.

My best advice - find something to look forward to... plan a weekend away for yourself - even if its just a shopping weekend or spa or something. :)

All the best. Take care.

During my first deployment the first month was the worst, lot of crying, being depressed, not wanting to get out of bed. But then he was able to call and I got busy doing other things. My husband is currently deployed on his second tour and it was a lot easier. I cried when I said good bye, then by the time I got into my car and put my seat belt on I was fine. Couple tips: Stay away from looking for news articles of his unit (things get distorted, and I made that mistake last time found an article that said my guy was shot, and he wasn't. Found another one that said his group was ambushed and the insurgents bombed them so bad the roof collapsed on them all. ) Start a new hobby, learn to scrapbook, knit, take up a new sport, go to the gym, take a couple college courses. My husband asked me to go back to school while he was gone, and I'm taking a few generals and a cooking class to surprise him when he gets back. :) You'll be fine, don't stress about the emotional stuff it will get easier then it will feel very normal. You'll be living with a mind set that he's just at work, and will be home soon. Good Luck!!!

Try to pass the time with other wives whose husbands are gone. The key wives program is a good resource, the wives are trained and available for you to talk to. You can call the base information to get the number for the key wives. Are you at a base or in a civilian community? If you are at or near a base you are far better off. The base offers a kindred spirit of sorts. There are wives in all stages of military life right there in the commisary, PX, the package store,,, Church is a great place to spend some time.These are some of the things I did to cope. I used to exercise everday ( so I would look hot for him when he got back) , I used to take the kids to the park or the beach .I Wrote alot of letters to my husband. I always numbered them so I would know which ones he got and how many he didn't. I spent alot of time with my girlfriends and alot of time on the phone with my mom and sister. I bought a "toy" to take care of that need without cheating on my husband. You are human, and you will be tempted to cheat, hopefully you can resist and look your husband in the eye when he returns. There is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself, it's way better than being the base slut. I know you are shy, so it is not as easy for you, but the time will go much quicker if you stay busy. You will also sleep better and your heart will hurt less if you stay busy. Remember your base has alot of resources for you, and remember that even though you feel alone, you are not alone. There are alot of us out here praying for our troops and our troops family's. I hope this helped you, I tryed to keep it short, but there is so much more to say, my heart goes out to you.