Dealing with Stress: How Parents Can Help Their Young Service Member Stay Grounded
Military life is filled with pressure and uncertainty, and many young service members often carry that weight silently. Unlike civilian stress, which can stem from work or relationships, military stress is rooted in high-stakes situations like combat, separation from loved ones, and constant adaptation to new roles and environments.
As a parent, you may feel helpless watching your child navigate this life. But best believe that your support can make a powerful difference, even from miles away.
Understanding the Unique Stress of Military Life
Service members face a range of psychological and emotional stressors that are vastly different from civilian experiences. Some of these include;
Deployment to combat zones
Separation from family for long periods
Exposure to traumatic events
Constant high-alert environments
Difficult transitions back to civilian life
Studies show that stress left unchecked can lead to serious mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. It can also take a toll on physical health, personal relationships, and job performance, both during and after service.
Why Family Support Matters More Than Ever
Now that we are a bit familiar with the uniqueness of military stress, you should know that military families are more than just a support system; they are a vital part of a service member’s mental resilience. Research confirms that strong family bonds contribute directly to readiness and long-term emotional well-being.
Programs within the military health system have increasingly focused on family-centered care for this reason. One such initiative, FOCUS (Families OverComing Under Stress), developed by experts at UCLA and Harvard, supports families by enhancing communication and emotional regulation skills. While your family may or may not participate in a formal program like this, the principles behind it are powerful and something any parent can apply.
Practical Ways Parents Can Help
So, what are some of the principles you can apply to help your young service member? You don’t have to be a mental health professional to support your child. What they need most is someone consistent, caring, and willing to show up, even from afar. Here are some ways you can help them stay grounded:
Stay Emotionally Connected
Keep the lines of communication open. Regular texts, calls, or letters may seem simple, but they go a long way to remind them that they’re not alone.
Encourage Healthy Coping Habits
Talk to your young service member about healthy ways to manage stress, like mindfulness, exercise, and sleep. These small habits have a huge impact on mental clarity and emotional regulation.
Support Use of Mental Health Resources
Let them know it’s okay to seek help. Encourage the use of military support services like therapy, peer groups, or on-base counseling. Reinforce that mental health care is a strength, not a weakness.
Listen Without Judging
Sometimes the best support is silence. Let them share what they’re feeling without trying to solve it immediately. Just knowing they’re being heard can offer huge relief.
Share Your Own Coping Strategies
Let them know how your family deals with tough times. Talk about resilience in action, how you handle stress, bounce back, and keep perspective.
Conclusion
Military service might take your child far from home, but your role as a parent never fades. In fact, during challenging times, your steady presence and encouragement are more essential than ever. If you do take anything away from this, just remember that your support can be the difference between simply just barely surviving and truly thriving.
