I know that you are worried about your boyfriend, so I'm really happy you are taking the time to consider how to care of yourself. Most people close to deployed soldiers find that staying in contact--especially for birthdays, anniversaries and other significant dates--helps a lot in coping with the separation. If your boyfriend does get sent to Iraq or anywhere overseas, you might want to ask him to do an assessment of the communications situation once he's away. When he knows what his phone or email access will be like, you two can come up with a plan for keeping in touch.

Adolescent psychologist Dr. Sharon Budd also recommends talking to your friends about your feelings, especially friends who might be going through the same thing or have gone through the same thing in the past. She says, one of the most common reactions to the deployment of a loved one is withdrawal and isolation of the person left behind, but it is important not to put your life on hold because your boyfriend is away. Be sure to take time to get out and exercise, or spend time with good friends. If having alone-time keeps you balanced, then by all means, spend time alone, but don't isolate or disrupt your routines. If you usually go out with friends on Saturday night, keep those dates and try to enjoy yourself. There will of course be those times you would normally spend with your boyfriend. Try to develop new interests and hobbies to account for this "absence."

The Armed Forces have support groups and hotlines, but they are only for use by "family members" or spouses of deployed soldiers. If your feelings are so intense that they are interfering with your ability to concentrate, sleep or to do your school work, you might want to talk to your parents about seeking short-term counseling or talk to your school counselor to get help in dealing with your feelings.

All the best you and your boyfriend.