Deployment--are you emotionally fit for sea duty?

How do you get ready for something you've never experienced? If this is your first deployment, you might have a long list of 'what ifs' and questions about how life will be for you and your family with thousands of miles of ocean separating you. How will you cope with homesickness? How will your family manage issues you usually handle? Below is a list of suggestions to help you prepare.

• Think about the holidays and special events you'll miss and create cards for your loved ones with envelopes labeled 'open when.' You could also arrange for gifts or surprises to be delivered to them in advance, or buy and wrap presents ahead of time.

• Leave a list of passwords, due dates, and contacts for household emergencies.

• Share your address with loved ones so they can send care packages. Give them ideas for your favorite snacks, hygiene products, and entertainment. Remember, it will take weeks to reach you and might sit out in the sun for extended periods.

• Bring a bible, journal, devotional, or motivational reading material to help maintain a positive outlook.

• Read books to your children to prepare them for your time away. You can also record yourself reading so they can hear your voice while you're gone.

• Take a toy belonging to your children to photograph during port calls. They'll enjoy seeing the toy's overseas adventures and feel more connected to you, knowing a part of them is with you.

• Pack photos of loved ones for your rack. You'll appreciate having them.

• If you're struggling on the ship, visit your chaplain. If you're religious, attend chapel weekly. Gathering with other sailors for worship can be very helpful.

• Make friends. Don't isolate yourself. Engage in activities when you're not working. Avoid developing unhealthy habits like just sleeping and working.

• Set deployment goals to ensure you're working towards something meaningful. This prevents the feeling of wasting time. Goals might include getting fitter, reading specific books, studying, earning warfare pins, or journaling your experience to share with family later.

• Start each day by acknowledging something you're grateful for and something you're looking forward to.

• Write letters to loved ones when you're feeling down or need connection. They need to hear from you as much as you need to hear from them.

• Create a music playlist for your partner, and have them make one for you. This can help you feel more connected during lonely nights.

• Practical tips: exercise regularly, stay hydrated, eat meals consistently, and visit the flight deck to see the sun. Maintaining normalcy helps prevent depression and anxiety. Healthy habits and emotional connections are key to adjusting well.

Do you have other helpful tips that you've used? We would love to hear from you!