You may have had the chance to “preview” the life of a military spouse before you tied the knot with your spouse. Early in the relationship you may have thought that a spouse would have difficulty fitting into the life of a service man or woman, even in the strongest of relationships. Love can help people to be hopeful and can make you strong, despite the hurdles that stand in the way of a “perfect” marriage.

Discovering the Challenges

It can be difficult to prepare yourself for the challenges that may lie ahead. The knowledge of PCS moves and deployments may be nothing in comparison to the longing, the pain of farewells, and/or the anxiety that each change can bring. Things can become more complicated with time and/or as your family grow. Being on your own most of the time, for months on end, can be difficult in itself, though it can become even more complex if you feel as if you are holding your family together at the same time.

Your heart may long for your spouse, especially in time of sickness and celebration of important milestones in your family life – the birth of a child, graduations, birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, etc. You may grieve each time you have to leave a job, give up a career or say goodbye to family and friends. You may feel distressed as you watch your children face changes and adjustments. You may even feel anxious as you think of new prospects for you and your family.

Facing the Challenges Head On

You can be correct in thinking that the love between you and your spouse can make you strong. With the distance and the challenges and to be truly resilient, however, you may need a support system to help you explore your passion and potentials so you can better survive the challenges of military life. Fortunately, aside from the military and support groups, there are also counselors or therapists who can help you to face these challenges head on.

Therapists can help you to view these changes in a different light, changes can become opportunities. They can assist you in making plans, helping you to feel better able to move forward, even if your situation seems to be far from what you previously thought to be a “perfect life”. A therapist can guide you through the hard times, offer support if you are sorely missing your old life, and at the same time, empower you to appreciate the unique potentials of a military lifestyle.

Following Your Dreams

Frequent deployments and moves can make it extremely difficult for a military spouses to pursue personal goals, though difficult does not equate to impossible. The first step may be working with a professional who can support you and empower you through the hardest of days.

Call Carolina Counseling Services in Fayetteville, NC to find a licensed, independently contracted counselor who can help you appreciate the meaning of these challenges and empower you to follow your dreams. Don’t wait, call CCS today to schedule your first appointment.