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Plan B: The Military Spouse Breadwinner

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While downsizing the military will trim the government’s budget, it’s leaving a lot of families wondering how they are going to pay the bills. Just last month it was announced that 550 Army majors were told they will be without a job next spring. Some of these soldiers were deployed when they were given the news. While some may have been told ahead of time that their job was on the line, for others it was a shock. How are they going to support their families? Where will they find work? Will their spouse need to return to the workforce as well?

Plan B: A Military Spouse as a Breadwinner

Are you a military spouse searching for a job?

DoD statistics show that 1 in 4 military spouses are unemployed and seeking work. Some may be looking for any position that will pay the bills while others search for positions in their career field. Either way, there are resources available to help you find the right fit for your needs.

Military OneSource is a great tool that has had tremendous success in partnering spouses with jobs. Since 2011 they have employed more than 60,000 military spouses. Their Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) website is a job database. Search your area for open positions or use their career advice section to help you get a start on your job search.

National Military Family Association has a wonderful collection of information including links to just about any military spouse employment channel. It has information on Military Spouse Preference and how to apply with it, how to apply for federal jobs, starting a home-based business and details on unemployment.

Military Spouse as the Family's Breadwinner

Have you been searching for a job?

Military Spouse Corporate Career Network is a free service to all military spouses including those of retired service members and caregivers to those wounded in war. They offer job placement and training. For those spouses that have been out of the career force, they offer gap skills training and apprenticeships.

Each branch of the military has a dedicated program to help spouses find employment. Each program offers classes and seminars on things such as resume writing and interview prep as well as tips on networking. They have dedicated counselors that you can meet with you one-on-one to go over your resume and answer any employment questions.

These are the military spouse employment programs:

Army: Employment Readiness Program

Navy: Spouse Employment Assistance Program

Air Force: Career Focus Program

Marine Corps: Family Member Employment Assistance Program

Coast Guard: Access CG SUPRT or call (855) 247-8778

These are all great resources for spouses returning to work. Remember your fellow military spouses as well. Networking is key these days to finding employment. Attend an FRG event and talk to some of them. They may know of an opening at their company they work for or have tips on how they found a job in that market.

Don’t jump right in and blast your “one size fits all” resume to every company in town. Take the time to tailor it to that specific job. An interviewer typically spends 30 seconds reviewing a resume before deciding if it goes in the trash or into the contact stack. Make sure you read the job posting and put those keywords in your resume. If it is sent electronically, there are computer programs that search for specific words and automatically filter out those that don’t contain them. Employers are busy and don’t want to waste their time on general resumes. Show that you are truly interested in the position by proving you took the time to read their job ad.

Military Spouse as the Family Breadwinner

Being the family breadwinner can be stressful.

Looking for a job can be scary, especially if your spouse will be losing his or her job. Will you now become the breadwinner of the family? Take some time and seriously consider what you want in a job and what is most important to you. How many hours will you be able to realistically work? What is the minimum amount of money you will need to pay the bills if you are the main source of income for the family? Are you willing to take an entry level position and work your way up? Start your job search early so you don’t end up rushing into a job that will make you miserable.

Finding a job to provide for your family is stressful. Utilize these resources and tips to help ease the process.

Are you a military spouse searching for a job? Are you worried about becoming the breadwinner if your spouse is forced to leave the military?

When You Deploy, Where Does Your Dog Go?

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No one should have to give up a pet because they have to go somewhere with the military. The Dogs on Deployment organization is a great program for helping service members prepare for a deployment.

Dogs on Deployment supports troopsTheir purpose is to find a place for a service member’s pet to go during a deployment or other military obligation. Not everyone has family members or friends who can take the animals and it can be a frustrating situation when that happens. In a lot of cases the animal has to go to a shelter since the service member will not be able to take their pet with them.

In addition to that, Dogs on Deployment promotes lifelong, responsible pet ownership within the military community. They do this by advocating for pet owner rights on military installations, providing education and resources about pet ownership, granting financial assistance for emergencies, promoting pet insurance and vaccinations as well as the need to spay or neuter animals. The organization also works to make sure everyone has access to the Dogs on Deployment program.

Dogs on Deployment boards pets of all types that belong to active duty, reservists, National Guard, honorably discharged veterans and their families. DoD was started in June 2011 by Shawn and Alisa Johnson, who serve in the Navy and Marine Corps, respectively. They themselves have been in a situation where they needed a program like this for their own pets.

This program is a great one because of the need for help with pets when you have to go away for military duty. No one should have to give up a pet because they have to go somewhere with the military. Even a short-term assignment could cause distress for people who don’t have anyone to watch their animals. The cost of boarding a dog for that long would not be within anyone’s budget either.

Dogs on Deployment supports military pets

If you would like to support this organization, you can make a financial donation, become a sponsor, share their program on social media or even shop on their site. If you would like to board a pet, after registering with the site, you can search to see what pets are available in your area and the dates needed for pet foster care.

This organization was “Founded by Military, for the Military.” It is a great way to give back and to help those fighting for our country.

Ex-Military Spouse? Is There Such a Thing?

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Dear MilitaryShoppers,Untitled-2

My husband and I recently got divorced. The transition has been hard. I am struggling with the idea that I am no longer considered a military spouse even though I endured 7 moves and 3 deployments. Am I an ex-military spouse? Is there such a thing?

–Struggling Civilian

Once a Marine, always a Marine. There’s no such thing as an ex-Marine. It’s a matter of honor, so why would you– the military spouse– feel as though you deserve anything less?

Perhaps you are no longer a part of the military community. Your spouse may have retired, separated from the military after a number of years, been discharged because of a disability or any number of other reasons. Until the question was asked this month, “Is There Such a Thing as an Ex-Military Spouse?” the notion had never crossed my mind. Why would it?

I grew up as an Army brat and was so sad when my dad retired. I felt like I was part of something special and then it was gone. I told him so on Thanksgiving that year when our tradition of visiting the soldiers at the mess halls was missing from that day. It wasn’t just that I got a slice of pumpkin pie at each one (hey I was a kid and there were only 3), but that I got to spend time with my dad and see all the smiling happy faces. I can still picture it, everyone passing plates, the noise so loud with cheer. It may sound funny and so simplistic but at that point my whole life had been part of this great military community. Isn’t it the small things in life that count? At this moment now, I’m considering the question. Did I become an ex-military child? Was my mother now an ex-military spouse?

Once a Military Spouse, Always a Military Spouse

Were you a military child? What memories do you have?

I would never consider myself or my mother that way. The wonderful experiences we had made us who we are. We will never lose that.

I find myself, years later, back in the embrace of the military lifestyle. My husband is in the Navy and so I am an Army brat and a Navy wife. One day he will leave active duty and I will once again say good-bye to this community. Will that really make me an ex-military spouse? No.

Ex-military spouse sounds so harsh. Did we break up? Former military spouse, I could handle that term. We had a great relationship and it will end happily. I will take the memories I have made from the beginning of my life through the beginning of our child’s life.

This has been after all, our life. This was never just a job.

For some, the experience might not have been so magical in their minds. Everything isn’t always peachy. Moving so often has its challenges. Your spouse deploying for long periods of time can leave you vulnerable. You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, and you’ll make friends and leave friends. You will get frustrated when your favorite thing is broken by the movers or your spouse’s deployment gets extended.

This is all part of it. You are a military spouse.

Once a Military Spouse, Always a Military Spouse

You will make some great memories as a military spouse to reflect upon for years.

When the day comes that you are no longer the spouse of an active duty service member your life will change. You will embark on a new adventure, but the memories you have made will remain part of you.

You served your time just as your spouse did. You earned the right to keep that honor.

The same notion holds true for military spouses who divorce their sponsors. Yes, your official relationship with both the military community and service member has ended. You may feel sad or angry at the onset but looking back you’ll still have the memories of great times as a family. You experienced the same events and emotions as any military spouse.

Some may disagree. You’ll be judged, even if people proclaim that they do no such thing. You may feel ostracized and lose all your connections within the community. It doesn’t matter what they say; you aren’t talking to them anyway. You were part of something special, no matter how long that was.

You are a military spouse, former military spouse if you prefer, but you will never be an ex-military spouse. None of us will.

How do you feel? Is there such a thing as an ex-military spouse?

 

How to Stay Informed on Food Safety Alerts

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Guide to Staying Informed on Food Safety Alerts and Product Recalls

Commissary shoppers should sign up for email alerts to stay informed on food recalls.

I learned the news from a recorded phone message. An East Coast grocery store chain was alerting me to the fact that the organic apple juice I purchased 2 weeks earlier was recalled by its manufacturing company. I was relieved to receive this informational food alert phone call.

But this instance of a food product recall led me to wonder about the rest of my family’s food purchased from our military commissary. How will I know if this food is recalled? And what should I do if I find a recalled item in my pantry or refrigerator?

Your Guide to Staying Informed on Food Safety Alerts and Product Recalls

  1. First of all, you need to understand how a food safety alert or product recall happens. The majority of food recalls are voluntarily initiated by manufacturers and distributors. For example, Kraft Foods Group issued a voluntarily recall of 7,691 cases of select varieties of regular Kraft American Singles Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product late last month. Strict federal regulation ensures that food manufacturing companies work diligently to actively recall any food with potential health risks.
  2. Next the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will evaluate the potential severity of the recall. They will make sure that all reasonable efforts to remove or correct the problem are being made. This is when the recall notice is posted on websites for consumers and stores are contacted to remove the item from their shelves. Whenever a commissary has a recalled or withdrawn product in its inventory, the product is immediately removed from store shelves. Typically there is a sign posted on the empty shelves alerting customers about the food recall.
  3. Then it is the customer’s responsibility to check their pantries for recalled food products.
  4. If a customer has a recalled item, they should return that item to the commissary or grocery store for a refund.

One thing to keep in mind is that food recalls are not unusual. In a 12-month period from July 2102 to July 2013, there was more than 600 food recalls in the United States and Canada. The most typical recalls are due to contamination (such as E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes or Salmonella) and misbranding (undeclared allergens such as peanut, tree nut, milk, egg, soy, shellfish). Finally a food recall doesn’t mean that people have gotten sick from a particular item. Most times, there aren’t any reported cases of hospitalization, but the manufacturing company is exercising caution.

Are you worried about food alerts and product recalls?

Consider subscribing to email alert service through the FDA. These emails keep shoppers informed on timely FDA news and information.

Guide to Staying Informed on Food Safety Alerts and Product Recalls

Are you worried about food alerts and product recalls?

For the latest food safety alerts and product recalls affecting products sold at military commissaries, visit the Food & Product Recalls page at the commissaries website.

Tips for Delicious Granola Bars, Easy Trail Mix

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My husband and I LOVE to hike. We met while he was stationed at Fort Drum and spent a lot of time exploring nearby parks and camping. Now, at Fort Belvoir, we’re still spending a lot of time outside exploring and enjoying everything Virginia has to offer!

Our snack of choice while hiking is a tasty granola bar.

GranolaBar3

It’s so easy to handle in just one hand and all the different ingredients are held together by chewy goodness that keeps it mess-free. In celebration of National Trail Mix Day (Sunday), I thought I would share our favorite homemade granola bar recipe and tips on making an easy trail mix.

Quick No-Bake Granola Bars

What you’re going to need:

  • Cookie sheet
  • Parchment paper or Wax paper
  • large sauce pot
  • Spatula

Ingredients
-⅔ cup honey
-¾ cup creamy peanut butter (if allergic, you can use almond butter)
-¼ cup light brown sugar
-1½ teaspoon vanilla extract
-2 cups quick or instant cook oats
-2 cups rice cereal

Optional
-½ cup chocolate morsels
-½ cup shredded coconut

I add in chocolate and coconut! If you don’t like chocolate or coconut (or both), just leave it out of the recipe for a chewy on-the-go treat that’s still very tasty. Feel free to add any of your families’ favorite treats to nibble (i.e. M&Ms, Pretzel bits, or anything else you can think of) instead of chocolate or coconut.

Instructions
1. Line parchment paper or wax paper on the bottom of your cookie sheet.
2. Heat large sauce pot and add honey, peanut butter and brown sugar till all combined.
3. Mix in vanilla extract then add oats.
4. Add the chocolate morsels and just half of the shredded coconut (¼ cup).
-If desired, add ingredients of your choice instead of chocolate and coconut.
5. Slowly fold in rice cereal with spatula to avoid smashing.
6. When everything is combined together, pour mixture on the parchment paper or wax paper and mold it into a rectangle that is about half an inch thick. Press down the rest of the shredded coconut on top.
7. Cool in fridge for an hour or until it’s solid. Then slice it up in your desired size and wrap in plastic wrap.

*Important note: if you want to add more of your choice ingredients (in addition to chocolate and coconut or instead of) than what the recipe yields, use a little more honey and peanut butter to make sure it holds together nicely. I really like it when everything is stuck together, so it doesn’t break apart while you’re hiking.

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Easy Trail Mix

There is so much freedom in putting together your own trail mix. Depending on your family-size or preference, just add equal amounts of each ingredient. Here are some of the most commonly used items that can help you mix together the best trail mix for your family!

  1. Nuts
  2. Favorite cereal
  3. Pretzels
  4. Dried fruit
  5. Seeds (pumpkin or sunflower)
  6. Popcorn
  7. Something for your sweet tooth (i.e. mini marshmallows, chocolate chip, M&Ms and/or peanut butter chips)

*Only add a fraction of the ingredients for your sweet tooth. If you add a cup of everything, just add ½ cup of the sweets.

What would you add to your granola bar recipe or include in your trail mix?

7 Ways Pets Make You Happier, Healthier

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7 Ways Pets Make You Happier

While owning pets can be a big responsibility, you get way more out of it than you put into it.

Having a pet can be a lot of responsibility. They’re little beings that need love, shelter, food and care. It may seem like a lot of work, but what pets give back to you can be exponential.

It doesn’t matter which type of pet you fancy, either. Dog, cat, guinea pig, mouse, fish or snake. We connect with them on a level close to that with other humans.

Studies have been circulating for years linking emotional and physical well-being to pet ownership. Lonely and depressed people are urged to get a pet or to volunteer at a shelter where they can have interactions with animals in an effort to boost their social functioning.

While some may balk at the idea that stroking a puppy could make you more social, many swear that having a pet makes them happier, more productive people.

It’s not so difficult to see why when you break it down:

1) A sense of security. This can be key for children with special needs, though we all benefit from a sense of security. Pets can help ease separation anxiety and teach children how to calm themselves in stressful situations. As adults, it can be comforting to know you aren’t going home to an empty house.

2) No more lonely nights. The days of coming home and vegging out on your couch feeling sorry for yourself are long gone. OK, you will probably still veg on the couch if you’re a cat person, but at least you won’t be alone. Pets fill your space with energy and life.

7 Ways Pets Make You Happier

In essence, animals fulfill a basic human need– touch.

3) Get fit. If you have a dog, chances are they’ll need some exercise which means getting up and getting out and walking yourself. Dog owners routinely say a side effect of getting a pup is getting into better shape. Now, that’s not to say you can’t walk a cat– I’ve seen it done– but you probably won’t. This is one area where dogs definitely rule.

4) Zap stress. While pets come with their own stressors as anyone who’s come home to a chewed shoe or accident can attest, they do a heck of a lot to reduce your overall stress. Some studies have shown that petting an animal can ease depression symptoms and even your heart rate, making you feel relaxed. This is why animals are used in hospitals for therapy.

5) A true confidant. Because animals can’t talk, many find it easier to spill the beans to a pet. Service animals are often used in this capacity and provide a safe place for people to talk out their problems. Animals are often used in treatment for traumatic stress for just this reason. Plus, just having someone to talk to who won’t talk back can be pretty sweet.

Pets make you more compassionate and considerate.

Pets make you more compassionate and considerate.

6) Live longer. Pet owners live longer than those without pets. Probably because they’re not as stressed out (see No. 4), are more active (see No. 3) and have something that adds meaning to their lives. Older adults with pets have 30% fewer doctor visits than their counterparts.

7) You’re just a better person. Pets can bring out the best in people. Pet owners tend to show more empathy and compassion to other people. They may be more generous and care more about others. When I was dating, I always knew a guy was decent if he had a pet.

In essence, animals fulfill a basic human need– touch. Pets love unconditionally and add a lot to the lives of their owners.

Take a look around at pet owners you know (or yourself) and see how pets have changed them.

What characteristics do you notice?

 

Use Food to Boost Your Mood

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We know that our food choices are influenced by our mood.

Foods to Improve Your Mood

The right kind of carbs can elevate your mood.

When we’re stressed out– and really, when are military spouses NOT stressed?– we feel a little run down and turn to sugar, caffeine and carbs to give us a much-needed boost.

But this is a vicious cycle because what we eat will determine our mood. How many times have you scarfed down something fast, cheap and easy for a quick boost and then felt guilty or depressed later on?

Don’t beat yourself up. It happens to the best of us. But there are other options.

Here’s what you need to know about food and how it affects your mood:

Omega 3s Fight Mood Swings

The University of Maryland Medical Center lists several health benefits for Omega 3s. Some studies have shown that fish oil helps reduce mood swings in those diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Others have shown that it may reduce depression symptoms. In addition, Omega 3s also fight inflammation, diabetes and ADHD symptoms.

Things to eat: salmon, walnuts, flax seeds (Grind first. Their tough exterior makes flax seeds impossible to digest whole.)

In a bad mood? Change your diet.

Fish oil may help to reduce mood swings.

Protein Promotes an Even Energy Level

Eating high-quality protein, especially in the morning, will set you up for a productive day. Protein allows your blood-sugar level to rise and fall gently instead of spiking sharply and then plummeting when you eat carbs.

Things to eat: organic eggs, almonds, greek yogurt

B Vitamins Keep Depression at Bay

Weill Cornell Medical College created a pamphlet based on the connection between low levels of B vitamins and depression. B6 and B12 both are essential to the creation of dopamine and serotonin, the two neurotransmitters that affect your mood.

Things to eat: chickpeas, bananas, spinach, clams

The Right Carbs Elevate Your Mood

Skip the donut, but don’t go completely carb-free. Healthy carbs are good for you. They keep your energy level even (like protein), and also increase your serotonin (like B vitamins).

Things to eat: whole grains, fruit, vegetables, beans

Foods that Can Boost Your Mood

Skip the sugary food and guilt when you need a mood boost.

Eat Regularly

Skipping meals makes you more apt to binge on unhealthy items. We’ve all been there and it’s bound to happen. Once it does, vow to get back on track. If you have a busy day, plan ahead and keep some of these healthy “fast” foods on hand for when you need a snack.

Things to pack: almonds, walnuts, fruit, yogurt

What are your tips for resisting the junk food urge when stressed?

**If you’re doing all the right things and still feel down, make an appointment to see your doctor. A variety of things may be happening and medication or supplements may be needed. Don’t feel ashamed or scared to ask for help.**

 

Boost Your Child’s Immune System for Back to School

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This week my oldest daughter started kindergarten. While she was cool as a cucumber about her first academic milestone, I was fretting over every detail in preparation for the first day of school. On Thursday, I reviewed her school supply checklist for the 16th time. On Friday, I scrutinized the nutritional value of her school’s lunch program. On Saturday, my daughter and I timed her walk to school, a whopping 6 blocks north of our house. On Sunday, I drilled into her the importance of washing her hands. On Monday morning, instead of enjoying this moment with her I had a panic attack over the fact that her immune system is going to be exposed to all kinds of germs and viruses… starting with the first day of school.

immune boosting breakfast

Did you know that school-age children average 5 to 6 colds a year? Parents must make a concentrated effort to boost their child’s immune system.

Want to know the easiest way to stay healthy this school year? Eat an immune-boosting breakfast.

What’s an immune-boosting breakfast? It starts with a glass of orange juice. One serving of Simply Orange Pulp Free with Calcium and Vitamin D provides 100 percent of my daughter’s daily recommended vitamin C. Vitamin C is a natural way to prevent colds and ear infections. Simply Orange juice tastes freshly squeezed and gets 2 thumbs-up from my daughter. That means less yelling “drink your orange juice” in the morning.

Win an iPad Mini through Kelloggs and Minute Maid

This immune-boosting breakfast is more than a glass of OJ. We need carbs and protein to keep her energy levels up from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. But as a work-from-home mother, I don’t have time to make a homemade breakfast and I know that anything sugary leads to a crash and burn during morning recess. So instead of spending my precious morning time whipping up a homemade breakfast, I do the next best thing. I serve my daughter fresh-from-the freezer Kellogg’s Eggo Homestyle waffles. With 190 calories and only 2 grams of sugar per serving, when these waffles pop up in our toaster my daughter knows it’s time to start her day. I swear she can hear that toaster better than her alarm clock.

I pair 2 round waffles with a convenient protein, like MorningStar Farms Maple Flavored Veggie Sausage Patties for a complete breakfast. With 3 grams of total fat per serving, these savory veggie patties contain 79 percent less fat than cooked pork sausage. This breakfast isn’t only good for my kindergartner. It’s a good way for me to start my day.

MorningStar Farms Maple Flavored Veggie Sausage Patties, Kellogg’s Eggo waffles and Simply Orange juice are all on sale this month at your military commissary. Besides boosting your immune system, these savings will also boost your money-saving happiness.

 

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Kellogg’s and Minute Maid.

Break the Habit of Lying to Your Doctor

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Remember to take your Sundown Naturals vitamins daily.

Stop lying to your doctor. Add a daily multivitamin to your diet.

I always hate lying to my doctor. In my heart, I want tell her the truth. No, I don’t walk for the recommended 20 minutes three times a week. No, I don’t drink red wine; I drink beer. No, I don’t take a daily multivitamin.

After my annual exam, I feel shameful about the deception. Obviously she knows I’m lying, right? A WebMD survey found that 45 percent of patients lie to their doctors. I’m that 45 percent. The shame.

Wouldn’t it be nice if for once – just once – I could honestly answer that I take my multivitamins daily. Imagine how confidently I could answer her questions. How I wouldn’t have to avert my eyes when she looks at me. Best of all, I would enjoy the health benefits of taking a multivitamin.

But which multivitamin is the right one for me? I could ask my doctor for a recommendation … nah, I don’t want to admit to her that I lied and staring at the choices at the commissary is overwhelming.

Then I discovered the Sundown Naturals Gummy Match.

In less than 2 minutes and a mere 8 questions later, I found a gummy vitamin that was trustworthy and genuine. The perfect match for me is Sundown Naturals Vitamin C Gummies. This naturally orange flavor vitamin will give my immune system the boost it needs to fight off the constant attack of germs dragged home by my daughters from daycare. The Vitamin C is also essential to collagen formation that will slow down the aging of my skin, bones and joints. While I was reassured from this quiz that Sundown Naturals Vitamin C Gummies are the best choice for me, the deal was sealed when I received a $2 coupon in my inbox. I wasted no time redeeming that coupon at my military commissary.

Now that I have this great tasting gummy vitamin, how will I ever remember to take it? In the day-to-day grind of unloading the dishwasher, refereeing toy sharing and tackling the overflowing pile of dirty laundry, taking my vitamin is the last thing on my mind. Does this mean I can tell my doctor that I bought the vitamins, I just couldn’t remember to take them? Lame.

That was my excuse. No more. I downloaded the convenient Sundown V-Minder app. The app provides a digital tap-on-the-shoulder reminder to take my vitamins. Every. Single. Day. The Sundown V-Minder also lets me know when my supply is getting low and conveniently adds vitamins to my shopping list.

Sundown Naturals vitamins are gluten free, nondairy, vegetarian and lactose free. There are no artificial flavors and no words on the label that I can’t pronounce.

Are you curious about Sundown Naturals vitamins? Find a store near you.

Deep down you know that lying to your doctor isn’t a healthy habit. Consider adding a daily Sundown Naturals vitamin to your health routine. Your conscience will thank you.

 

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Sundown Naturals. 

5 Barriers to Mental Health Treatment for Military Spouses

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Last month we talked about PTSD and mental health of our service members. Unfortunately, they aren’t the only ones who need therapy. The all-too-familiar stressors of military life– such as deployments, separations, frequent moves and a feeling of isolation– can be a catalyst for psychological distress.

Military Spouses Face Hurdles to Mental Health Help

Depression and other mental distress can affect military spouses. Many don’t seek help because they face serious hurdles.

It’s normal. What isn’t normal is the barriers that stand in the way of receiving treatment for military spouses.

Three doctors with the Department of Psychiatry at Oregon Health and Sciences University did a study recently that examined why military spouses are underserved when it comes to mental health treatment. The study outlined 5 barriers military spouses face:

  1. inability to attend daytime appointments
  2. inability to find a counselor who understands their needs
  3. inability to find a counselor they could trust
  4. concerns about confidentiality
  5. lack of knowledge about where to get services

With at least 1 million spouses of active duty, Reserve or National Guard service members, this is highly unacceptable.

Let’s take a closely look at each barrier to mental health treatment for military spouses.

Barrier #1: Inability to Attend Daytime Appointments

Most military spouses are either working outside the home or have children. While spouses are quite resourceful, sometimes it’s not possible to get away in the middle of the day. Solution: Counselors should offer evening appointments or provide child care for clients. Another option, although nontraditional, counselors could make house calls and meet the client in their environment.

Barrier #2: Inability to Find a Counselor Who Understands Their Needs

Anyone who has sought mental health help knows how important it is to find a therapist or provider you connect with. Someone who understands your situation and can advise accordingly. This shouldn’t be difficult in military towns, but it can be particularly difficult for National Guard or Reserve families. Solution: Find a counselor you can connect with and educate them throughout your sessions. If that feels too daunting, check out MilitaryOneSource.mil and set up a phone or online counseling session with someone knowledgeable about the lifestyle. ALL members of the National Guard and Reserves and their immediate family members are eligible to use MilitaryOneSource.

Barriers to mental health treatment for military spouses

Finding someone you can trust can be a huge hurdle. Don’t give up.

Barriers #3 & 4: Inability to Find a Counselor They Can Trust & Concerns About Confidentiality

It’s not uncommon for individuals to be nervous about divulging a lot of personal information to a perfect stranger. Especially for individuals who have been drilled with the importance of OPSEC and PERSEC. On top of that, spouses worry that anything they say could be used against their spouse and damage their career. Talk about a barrier. Especially one that is completely irrelevant. Solution: Educate yourself.

MilitaryOneSource addresses this issue in their post about counseling options:

Family members may use counseling services without the notice or consent of the service member. For service members or their families seeking counseling through military support channels, those services are confidential. The only exceptions to confidentiality are for mandatory state, federal and military reporting requirements (for example, domestic violence, child abuse and duty to warn situations). Even then, only those who need to be notified will be informed.

Barrier #5: Lack of Knowledge About Where to Get Services

We’ve all be in a new place and feel completely lost about where to go to find anything. Mental health services shouldn’t be one of those things. It should be as easy to find as the closest grocery store. Solution: A one-stop shop for finding help. MilitaryOneSource does a great job of highlighting options on their website. Not only can they help you find local counselors, but they also outline when you should seek treatment through Tricare or your nearest Military Treatment Facility or VA Center. When in doubt, ask.

Bottom line: There’s absolutely no reason a spouse should go without treatment for a mental health issue, no matter how big or how small. Educate yourself and others on the opportunities and options available and help each other out.

We’re a strong military family. Let’s make sure we’re a healthy military family.

Why do you think military spouses are underserved when it comes to mental health treatment?