The Situation: suppressing stressors Published Nov. 15, 2011 By Senior Master Sgt. Dale Ivie 436th Force Support Squadron DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Every day, Team Dover members encounter and overcome situations that test their experience and skill. In "The Situation", service members share their advice on how to face these challenges head-on, and overcome them. The Situation: Due to the high ops-tempo many squadrons experience, service members may have trouble reintegrating to life at home station after deployments. Service members are forced to deal with the stress of leaving family and friends behind as they travel across the world. If left unchecked, the stress of deployments can take its toll on Airmen in the workplace and at home. Low productively, weight gain, illness, and the deterioration of professional and personal relationships all can result from the stressors we take on while deployed. The Solution: My biggest piece of advice is to have good personal situational awareness. Keep track of mood swings, changes in eating habits and poor performance in the workplace; all can be signs of stress that needs to be dealt with. Make the most of supportive relationships you have with others. My wife is very helpful whenever I need to get thoughts off my chest, or when I need to bounce ideas off someone. Maintain a strong spiritual life, and make time to reflect on issues that may be bothering you. A steady fitness routine is an excellent way to relieve stress as well. - Senior Master Sgt. Dale Ivie, superintendent of sustainment services flight with the 436th Force Support Squadron