Military families face unique challenges that can be difficult to navigate. From frequent moves to deployments, military families must adapt to a constantly changing lifestyle. While these challenges can be rewarding, they can also be overwhelming at times.
In this article, we will discover the top 4 problems facing military families.
Deployment
Deployment is one of the most challenging aspects of being a military family. It is a time when a service member is sent away from home for an extended period, leaving their loved ones behind. The separation can cause a lot of stress and anxiety for both the service member and their family.
Long Separation from Family
During deployment, service members are often away from their families for months, or even years. This long separation can be emotionally draining for both the service member and their family. It can be especially difficult for children who may not fully understand why their parent has to be away for so long. As a result, it is important for military families to find ways to stay connected during deployment. This can include regular phone calls, video chats, and care packages.
Financial Strain
Deployment can also cause financial strain for military families. When a service member is deployed, their income may be reduced or eliminated, putting a strain on the family’s finances. Additionally, the cost of maintaining a household while a service member is away can be significant. This can include additional childcare expenses, home repairs, and other unexpected costs. As a result, it is important for military families to plan ahead and create a budget to help manage their finances during deployment.
Mental Health
Military families face a unique set of challenges that can take a toll on their mental health. Here are some of the most common mental health issues affecting military families:
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Military families are at a higher risk of developing PTSD due to the nature of their loved one’s job. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional.
Depression
Depression is a common mental health issue that affects many military families. The stress of deployments, frequent moves, and other challenges can take a toll on mental health. Symptoms of depression can include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of depression, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional.
Anxiety
Anxiety is another common mental health issue affecting military families. The uncertainty and unpredictability of military life can cause anxiety in both service members and their families. Symptoms of anxiety can include excessive worry, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of anxiety, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional.
Education
As a military family, you may face unique challenges when it comes to education for your children. Frequent moves and school changes, as well as a lack of support for special needs children, can make it difficult to ensure that your children receive a quality education.
Frequent Moves and School Changes
One of the biggest challenges facing military families when it comes to education is frequent moves and school changes. Every time you move to a new base, your children may need to switch schools. This can be difficult for children, especially if they are in the middle of a school year. They may have to leave behind friends, teachers, and activities that they love.
In addition, each school may have different requirements for graduation and different curriculums. This can make it difficult for your children to stay on track and ensure that they are meeting all of the necessary requirements.
Lack of Support for Special Needs Children
If you have a child with special needs, you may face even more challenges when it comes to education. Many schools on military bases are not equipped to handle children with special needs, and there may not be any resources available to help your child.
In addition, frequent moves can make it difficult to establish a relationship with a special education teacher or find a school that can meet your child’s needs. This can be frustrating for both you and your child, and can make it difficult to ensure that your child is receiving the education they need and deserve.
Overall, education can be a challenge for military families. Frequent moves and school changes, as well as a lack of support for special needs children, can make it difficult to ensure that your children receive a quality education. However, by staying involved in your child’s education and advocating for their needs, you can help ensure that they succeed academically.
Employment
One of the biggest challenges military families face is employment. With frequent moves and deployments, it can be difficult for military spouses to maintain a steady career. Here are some of the employment-related issues military families face:
Frequent Relocation
As a military family, you may move every two to three years. This can make it difficult to establish yourself in a career. You may have to start over each time you move, which can be frustrating and time-consuming. Additionally, some professions require state-specific licenses, which can be difficult to obtain if you move frequently.
Difficulty Finding Employment
Even if you are able to maintain a career through frequent moves, finding employment can be a challenge. Military spouses often face discrimination from employers who are hesitant to hire someone who may not be in the area for very long. Additionally, military spouses may have gaps in their employment history due to moves or deployments, which can make it difficult to find a job.
Overall, employment is a major concern for military families. Frequent relocation and difficulty finding employment can make it challenging for military spouses to maintain a steady career.
Conclusion
As a military family, you face unique challenges that can impact your daily life. From frequent moves to deployment separations, these issues can take a toll on your family’s well-being. However, by understanding these problems and seeking out resources, you can overcome these obstacles and thrive as a military family.