WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- American Military University professor John Moore says communication and planning are critical for service members and their families, when coping with long-term deployments and post-traumatic stress disorders. Moore presented solutions yesterday at the Air Force Association's 2006 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition.
"Feelings of helplessness and worry, new family roles, and extra responsibilities can lead to a deployment wheel of stress," says Moore, a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified addictions therapist who teaches courses in interpersonal communications and stress at American Military University (http://www.amu.apus.edu/).
AMU is a regionally and nationally accredited distance learning institution serving more than 15,000 students worldwide. About 85 percent of American Military University students serve in the armed forces.
"Sometimes the wheel spins very quickly and sometimes slowly," says Moore. "The result is the same -- families can be in crisis."
Moore outlined four steps for reducing the stress of long-term deployments:
1. Develop a stress prevention plan
- Outline ways to maintain communication
- Let service members set time and dates for regular communication
- Plan for possible financial strains
2. Establish healthy communications
- Be honest about issues with children or other family members
- Convey feelings of support and commitment
- Avoid old arguments
3. Follow a routine
- Stay involved with social and religious activities
- Connect with other military families regularly
- Set aside a day of the week for family activities
4. Reassess the plan - and change what isn't working
Moore also outlined ways for dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, including watching for signs of depression, anxiety or substance abuse.
"Be supportive, but don't try to be their therapist," he says.
Moore says his American Military University classes are often an important outlet for deployed service members or their spouses, who may be students as well.
"Over the course of the class, my students open up more and more about their fears of dying or worries about their families," says Moore. "The camaraderie helps them feel less alone."
Moore, who has written a book called "Confusing Love with Obsession," joined other national experts and senior Department of Defense and Air Force leaders at the annual two-day AFA conference. The conference examines aerospace technology, national defense and other issues.
American Military University is part of American Public University System. It provides relevant and affordable distance learning in more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs -- taught by professors who are experienced in the real-world subjects they teach. American Military University prepares students for careers in homeland security, intelligence, national security, criminal justice, emergency management, business and more.
American Military University is hosting "Homeland Security: The Ripple Effect," Feb. 6-7 at the National Press Club, Washington, D.C. (www.apus.edu/disaster).
CONTACT:
American Public University System
Beth LaGuardia
(703) 396-6421
blaguardia@apus.edu
Russell Public Relations
Carolyn Russell
(316) 932-9000
news@russellpr.com