Military service member connecting with family through digital networks.

Bridging the Distance: How to Support Military Families Through Communication

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Balancing Connection and Well-being During Deployment"

Deployment creates a unique dynamic for military personnel and their families, where maintaining connections is vital, yet complex. The mental health of deployed service members is significantly influenced by their contact with family and friends back home. Regular communication can boost morale and provide essential support.

However, this connection is a double-edged sword. While family support can buffer against mental health challenges, a lack of it can increase the risk of developing mental health problems, which in turn negatively impacts occupational performance. The availability and nature of communication can directly affect a service member's ability to cope and function effectively.

This article examines the intricate relationship between communication and well-being during deployment, drawing from research on the impact of family contact on mental health and occupational effectiveness. It provides actionable insights for military families and support networks, emphasizing the importance of accessible, affordable, and balanced communication strategies.

Access is Key: Making Communication Accessible and Affordable

Military service member connecting with family through digital networks.

Service members and their families often have high expectations regarding the availability and reliability of communication channels. The reality, however, can be quite different, leading to frustration and distress when expectations are not met. This mismatch between expectation and reality is a key stressor for both service members and their families.

Several factors contribute to this challenge, including the limited availability of communication devices, high costs, and security concerns (COMSEC) that can restrict access. For example, while newer technologies like videoconferencing offer benefits, not all families have equal access, particularly those of reservists who may live far from military facilities.

Subsidize Communication: Provide affordable or free access to various communication media for service members.
Manage Expectations: Educate service members and families about realistic communication possibilities during deployment.
Provide Information: Keep families informed about troop locations and relevant news to reduce stress and unnecessary inquiries.

Addressing these access issues is crucial. By prioritizing communication access and managing expectations, the military can significantly improve the well-being of service members and their families, fostering resilience and strengthening the support system during deployment.

Finding the Right Balance: Navigating the Complexities of Communication

While increased communication access is generally positive, research suggests that it's essential to find a balance. Easy access can amplify stress when problems arise at home, highlighting a service member's limited ability to resolve those issues from afar. Conversely, withholding information can also create tension and frustration.

The key lies in open, honest communication about expectations, limitations, and the potential impact of sharing certain information. Service members need to feel supported in making informed decisions about what to share and when, without feeling pressured to overshare or protect their families from difficult realities.

Future research should focus on identifying the optimal level and type of communication, considering factors like family status, deployment context, and individual needs. By understanding these nuances, the military can develop targeted interventions and resources that promote healthy communication patterns and support the well-being of both service members and their families, ultimately enhancing their resilience throughout the deployment cycle.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.7205/milmed-d-09-00278, Alternate LINK

Title: How Communication With Families Can Both Help And Hinder Service Members' Mental Health And Occupational Effectiveness On Deployment

Subject: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Journal: Military Medicine

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)

Authors: Talya Greene, Joshua Buckman, Christopher Dandeker, Neil Greenberg

Published: 2010-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

How does communication with family affect a service member's mental health during deployment?

During military deployments, frequent communication between service members and their families significantly impacts the service member's mental health. Consistent contact can improve morale and provide crucial emotional support, acting as a buffer against the stresses of deployment.

Can increased communication access during deployment ever be detrimental, and if so, why?

Yes, excessive communication can amplify stress for deployed service members, especially when family issues arise that they cannot resolve from a distance. The inability to address problems at home can lead to increased anxiety and feelings of helplessness, negatively affecting their well-being and occupational effectiveness. Similarly, withholding information can breed distrust and anxiety.

What are some of the main challenges military families face regarding communication access during deployment?

Several factors limit communication access, including the availability of communication devices, the expense associated with maintaining contact, and security concerns related to communication security (COMSEC). These restrictions can lead to frustration and distress when service members and their families cannot connect as frequently as they would like. Reservists, who may live far from military facilities, may face even greater challenges in accessing communication resources.

What specific actions can the military take to improve communication access for service members and their families?

The military can enhance communication access through several strategies. Subsidizing communication costs by providing affordable or free access to communication media can alleviate financial burdens. Managing expectations by educating service members and families about realistic communication possibilities during deployment is crucial. Providing regular updates on troop locations and relevant news can reduce stress related to uncertainty.

What happens when the expected level of communication isn't met during deployment?

When expectations regarding communication access during deployment are unmet, it can lead to increased stress and frustration for both service members and their families. This mismatch can negatively impact the service member's mental health and occupational effectiveness, as well as strain family relationships. Addressing these unmet expectations is crucial for fostering resilience and strengthening support systems during deployment.