Navigating Transitions

Mental Health Considerations for Military Families During Relocations

Relocations are an inherent part of military life, and while they offer new opportunities and experiences, they can also pose unique challenges to the mental well-being of military families. This article aims to share the impact of relocations on the mental health of military families and provide practical tips and strategies for managing the emotional and practical aspects of transition. 

Understanding the Unique Challenges: 

Relocations can disrupt established routines, social connections, and support systems, leading to increased stress and anxiety for military families. The following are some of the unique challenges faced during relocations: 

Upheaval and Uncertainty

Frequent relocations can disrupt the sense of stability and familiarity, making it difficult for family members, especially children, to adjust to new environments, schools, and social networks. 

Loss of Support Systems

Relocations often mean leaving behind friends, extended family, and community support networks. The absence of familiar faces and a support system can intensify feelings of isolation and loneliness. 

Emotional Toll

The process of uprooting and settling into a new location can activate a range of emotions, including sadness, anxiety, and even grief. These emotions can accumulate and impact the mental well-being of family members.  
 

Tips and Strategies for Managing Relocations

Preparing Children for the Move

Preparing a military child for an upcoming relocation can help ease the transition and make the experience more positive. Here are some tips and strategies: 

• Talk to your child about the move as soon as possible and explain the reasons behind the relocation. Maintain open communication and engage children in discussions about the upcoming move, addressing their questions, concerns, and emotions. 
• Present a positive mindset and emphasize the positive aspects of the upcoming move such as new experiences, opportunities and the chance to make new friends. Encourage your child to approach the move with an open mind and a positive attitude. 
• Involve your child in the house hunting trip and in researching the new location with the use of online resources, maps, and virtual tours to introduce the new community. Look for interesting places to visit, activities to do, and schools or clubs they can join. This will help them feel more excited about the move. 
• Familiarize your child with the new location before the move. Explore the area together and show your child important places like their new school, playgrounds, and community centers. This can help them feel more comfortable and familiar with their new surroundings. 
• Allow your child to be involved in the packing process. Let them choose and pack some of their own belongings, such as toys and personal items. This will give them a sense of control and ownership over their things. They can also choose to give some of their own belongings to their friends or even donate them.  
• For older children and teenagers, help them connect with other military children who have experienced relocation. This can be done through online groups, social media, or local support organizations. Hearing about other experiences and making new friends in similar situations can be reassuring. 
• Help your child say goodbye to friends, teachers and neighbours. Host a going away party and encourage your child(ren) to exchange contact information and create opportunities for future communication or visits. 
• Establish routines – create a sense of predictability by establishing new routines as soon as possible after the move. Be sure to discuss how logistics and changes in the move can be disruptive to routines. However, focusing on simple scheduling, food consumed, and activities can provide a sense of stability during transition.  
• Encourage decision making in the child by allowing them to make as many decisions as possible. This can empower your child to have a sense of control and independence (for example, paint and decorate their new bedroom, etc.).  
• Stay connected after the move and try to help your child to purposely connect with their old community. Encourage regular communication with friends and family through calls, video chats, or letters- specific schedules and times can help ease stress and anxiety if a date and time can be selected 
• Acknowledge and validate your child’s emotions. Moving can be stressful for everyone, and your child may experience a range of feelings. Encourage them to express their emotions and provide reassurance and support. Remember, each child is unique, so adapt these tips to suit your child’s personality and needs. Providing support, understanding, and involving your child in the process can help make the relocation a smoother and more position experience and transition for them. 

Building a Support Network in the New Location: 

• Connect with military community resources: Reach out to local Military Family Resource Centers to learn about some of the services and programs that are being offered within your new community, support groups, and social media platforms to connect with other families facing similar transitions. 
• Engage with the local community: Encourage family members to participate and learn about upcoming community events, community activities, clubs, and organizations to build new friendships and support networks.  
• Seek out mental health professionals: Research and access mental health professionals who specialize in working with military families to provide additional support during the transition.  

Accessing Resources for Mental Health Support: 

• Check in with yourself (how are you feeling with the move). 
• Utilize military family support programs. Military organizations offer various mental health support programs tailored to the unique need of military families. Take advantage of these resources to access counseling, therapy, and support programs. 
• Research and identify local mental health providers, therapists, and counselors who have experience working with military families. Reach out to them for assistance and guidance. 
• Leverage and explore online resources, such as virtual counselling and mental health apps, which can provide accessible support and coping strategies.  

Relocations can be challenging for military families, but with proper planning, support, and self-care, the impact on mental well-being can be mitigated. By preparing children, building a support network, and accessing available mental health resources, military families can navigate transitions more effectively. The MFS-NCR Mental Health Team stands ready to support military families during relocations and beyond, ensuring their mental well-being remains a priority.  

Remember, military families are resilient, and with the right strategies in place, they can thrive during the transitions brought about by relocations.