Dear Reader,

The deployment of a loved one to a combat zone is bound to create all sorts of stress. With the number of American troops heading overseas, you're certainly not alone with how you feel when it comes to the stresses of war. Worrying is normal, and the accompanying lack of sleep and focus are also common. Stress manifests in all sorts of ways and can compromise the immune system, leaving people more vulnerable to fatigue, illness, and injury.

Learning ways to reduce and manage stress — or rather, to make stress work for you — will help. Alice can't tell you which medication to take, or even if medication is the right treatment option for you. Anti-anxiety medications can help to stabilize your emotions and reactions enough so that you can think and sleep more easily, deeply, and/or fully. Discussing these and other options with your health care provider can help you learn more about the variety of medications available.

For at home strategies, here are some options that other people in similar situations have found helpful:

Practice a relaxation technique, such as meditation, yoga, prayer, or deep breathing. Sign up for a class at a local yoga studio, or if you're a student, possibly at your school's athletic center; or, find a comforting, quiet place to breathe and chill. Regular practice of these mind-body techniques can help you relax more deeply and effectively. Don't forget the benefits of a hot bath, good book, or relaxing music.

Be socially active.
Stay connected with friends and family. Volunteer with a local organization so that you feel you are contributing to someone's life in a positive way. Reach out to other women and men who are in a similar situation. You can find military wives, fiancées, girlfriends, and other resources on the Military Wives Web site, and military husbands, fiancés, boyfriends, and other resources on the Military Husbands Web site.

Limit your media exposure.
While it's important to stay informed and up-to-date, constant war images and speculation can only exacerbate worry.

Boost your immune system with regular exercise and balanced nutrition.
Aerobic activity is one of the best stress-relievers available and has been shown to have positive impact on immune system functioning. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to get the nutrients you need to better endure stressful times.

Seek help.
Recognizing, as you have, and managing your feelings opens doors to personal growth and resilience. Find ways to express your emotions. If you're a Columbia student, you can make an appointment with a therapist at Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) by calling x4-2878.

Other resources for further information include:

National Military Family Association

National Mental Health Association

American Psychological Association

It's important to find and devote time each day to care for yourself. Call it "me time" or "be time"; doing whatever you can to maintain your health will improve your ability to handle war and other kinds of stress.

Alice

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