Facing the Challenges
of Military Life

Military families live lives defined by resilience, sacrifice and strength. While this life can be filled with meaning it can also involve unique challenges that civilian families may never have to face. While you may have known what you were signing up for, it doesn’t make overcoming these hurdles welcomed or even easier most of the time. You deserve support as you face the many challenges of military life, finding a therapist who understands can help. 

Just Some of the Challenges

Life is complicated whether you are in the military or not, however, it is indisputable that military families face unique challenges. Military life brings with it; 

  1. PCS and Moving Often: Moving frequently can lead to a host of issues that require adjustment. Military service members are relocating to a new job, however, their spouses often have to start over at their next duty station. Military spouses face a  21% unemployment rate according to the Department of Labor (the national rate is 4.3%) Not only do family members often have to find new jobs they also need to find new support networks, doctors, dentists, schools, child care, pet sitters etc. The list can really go on and on. Moving frequently is a challenge in and of itself, not to mention the other layers of military life. 
  2. Deployments: Deployments are an inevitable part of most military careers. While they are a part of it, they can be overwhelming and isolating whether you are the one leaving or staying home. Having your partner gone for extended periods of time can be overwhelming and frightening. There are so many adjustments that must be made, especially if you are going to be the one at home holding it all together for the family. 
  3. Reuniting After: While you may be counting down the days until your service member comes home you may also know it won’t be all sunshine and rainbows. Reintegration also involves a lot of change and adjustment. Feelings can be conflicting. You may be over the moon to have your partner back and also resentful to have to again learn how to coexist. These feelings are natural even though they may be upsetting. 

This list of challenges is certainly NOT exhaustive. The obstacles faced by military families are vast though they can also be empowering. You can work through these challenges and become stronger together. Counseling can help. 

Finding a Provider Who Understands

Military life is unique and requires a different approach a lot of the time. You may find that you need to face your every day a bit differently than some of your civilian friends. You deserve support as you navigate through this wild and beautiful life. 

Carolina Counseling Services in Southern Pines, North Carolina contracts with licensed therapists and prescribers that understand military life. Many providers are military spouses and/or Veterans themselves. Find a provider who cares and can help you adjust to any challenges you may face. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment!

November is Military Family Month, start getting the care and support you deserve. Many providers are in network with Tricare and offer online appointments making quality mental health care accessible anywhere in North Carolina.

Jaime Johnson Fitzpatrick LCMHCS, LCAS is one of the Owners and Vice Presidents of Carolina Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in the State of North Carolina as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in State of New York. Jaime is also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and utilizes various other approaches in her practice.