When contractors are on deployment (CONDO), they face unique challenges, with dangers that might not be front-line but are still real. Several mental health strategies that you can use to make yourself more resilient.
This guide aims to help contractors prepare mentally, stay safe and maintain their resilience in high-stress, sometimes isolating environments. Here are six resilience tips to prepare yourself for any deployment abroad.
Tip #1 - Preparation Before Deployment
You don’t want to leave loose ends at home when you deploy. Building your mental resilience starts before you go.
Get Your House in Order
It would help if you left everything at home in order. For example, if you’ve had an argument at home with a family member, don’t leave and go on deployment before resolving it. Otherwise, this situation will eat away at you while you are out there.
Don’t Forget Your Will
It might be something you’ve put off or don’t even like talking about. However, setting up a will or anything else your family might need is good common sense. This tip also applies to life in general. Having a will in place can reduce stress for others.
Tip #2 - Using Situational Awareness and Safety Protocols
Using situational awareness skills and safety protocols can make you more resilient when deployed abroad.
Know Your Environment
It doesn’t matter which country you are going to. The best thing you can do is familiarise yourself with what is going on locally. Being aware of your surroundings and understanding potential threats is critical.
Be Aware of the Emergency Protocols
They are there for a reason. Knowing what to do in a crisis is fine, but preparing for it is also as important. If things go wrong, you must have a plan or be aware of emergency protocols you must follow to stay safe.
Stay in Communication
It’s best to remember that when things go wrong, you know you have support and are not alone. Clear communication channels with your team and the office could become a lifeline. It’s critical to stay in touch with them.
Tip #3 - Managing Isolation and Mental Health
You might experience a shock to the system when you arrive. Here are some things you can do to minimise the mental impact.
Stay Occupied
Hobbies and pastimes can help with isolation and keep you mentally strong. Find things to do that keep you grounded. For example, if you like to read, take a book to relax. Do something that takes you into that happy space.
Routine Matters
CONDO can be a busy environment different from what you are used to. Setting up a routine that you stick to can keep you in the right headspace. For example, you can aim to sleep well, stay mobile, and have a balanced diet.
Physical Exercise
As they say, “Motion equals lotion equals emotion”. Whether working out or walking around, keep moving to lift your spirits. It doesn’t matter where you are; even on a ship, you can still walk up and down it.
Tip #4 - Handling High-Stress Situations
Things can go wrong in a foreign country, as in your “real life” back home. Knowing how to build mental resilience can help you handle other situations in your life.
Step Back From the Situation
In high-stress moments, it’s easy to get stuck in Street View. You’ve zoomed in on the problem and are feeling everything. You’ve got to change to Google Earth, step back, and view it from the biggest view you can. It will help to calm you down.
The Power of Breathing
Never underestimate the power of breathing. Deep breathing can be a game- changer. You only need to take 3, 4, or 5 deep breaths. Experiment and see how many work best for you. It can settle physical, mental, and emotional stress.
Stay Connected
When your stress is high, don't go it alone. Communicate how you feel. Sometimes, it takes a few words with a colleague to get a different perspective. That different perspective can destress you instantly.
Tip #5 Maintaining Resilience Throughout Deployment
When you are on your deployment you need to maintain your resilience. Here are some things you can do to help you do this.
Keeping a Positive Narrative
It’s not about ignoring reality but reframing it. “Stay positive where you can.” Have that narrative in your head to keep you steady. It’s similar to having a mantra. Whatever saying works for you, use it to keep yourself positive.
Using Self-Control
Resilience is all about having that inner calm so you can be effective in whatever situation. You can’t take control of others or a situation unless you control yourself.
Staying Realistic
When everything feels overwhelming you can look at your situation differently. For example, think, “It isn’t that bad. Nobody is shooting at us.” A little perspective can help, especially when small things build up.
Tip #6 - Transitioning Home After Deployment
Give yourself some time to adjust. Transitioning back isn’t instant. Your family will be in their usual routine, but you might need a few days to return to normal.
Educate Your Family and Peers
Communication with your family at this point is key. Inform them that you need time to settle in when you get home.
Consider Working With a Coach or Therapist
If you prefer to speak to somebody who is not part of your family, working with a coach or therapist can be very beneficial and help to balance you. These sessions can help you to continuously improve and boost your personal development.
Building Resilience for CONDO
Deployed operations can bring many challenges when you are away from home. Preparing yourself before you go is critical to maintaining your safety and mental health. We hope this guide helps you to prepare for your deployment.
Remember that resilience always starts from within. Using the right tools and keeping a positive mindset can help you stay grounded, resilient, and ready for whatever happens when you are there.
At Blue Mountain Group we offer professional training for contractors on deployed operations. For further information, you can download our CONDO brochure.
We’re also on hand to answer any other questions. Please fill out our quick and easy form and we’ll contact you.