Serving in Silence: Why Military Spouses Are Struggling with Mental Health

In conversations about military life, the focus often falls on service members—their deployments, sacrifices, and resilience. But behind most service members are spouses navigating a life filled with uncertainty, emotional weight, and often, invisible challenges.  

The Unseen Weight of Military Life
Recent research paints a sobering picture. Military and veteran spouses are experiencing anxiety and depression at rates two to three times higher than the general population.  

One major survey from the Air & Space Forces Association found that over half of military spouses report symptoms of anxiety or depression, with 14% struggling with severe depression, an alarmingly high rate compared to civilian norms.  

Similarly, another study from 2024 by HealthyWomen.org revealed that approximately 1 in 8 military spouses screened positive for major depressive episodes, and 1 in 6 reported symptoms of generalized anxiety, nearly double the national average.  

The Triggers: What’s Driving the Stress?  
Military spouses face a constellation of stressors, many of which are unique to this lifestyle:  

Frequent relocations: On average, military families relocate every 2.5 years, disrupting careers, social networks, education, and daily routines.  

Deployments: Extended separations often require spouses to shoulder parenting and household responsibilities alone.  

Financial Insecurity: Career interruptions, underemployment, and inconsistent income contribute to financial strain.  

Social isolation: Frequent moves and the demands of military life can make it difficult to build lasting connections or find support.  

According to a 2023 Military Family Advisory Network report, nearly 47% of spouses experiencing financial stress said it negatively impacted their mental or physical health.  

Barriers to Mental Health Support  
Even as awareness of these challenges grows, accessing mental health care remains difficult for many spouses. Common barriers include:  

Stigma: Concerns that seeking counseling could reflect poorly on their partner’s military career.  

Time constraints: Balancing childcare, work, and household responsibilities often leaves little room for self-care.  

Lack of Trust: Skepticism about the quality, confidentiality, or cultural competency of available services remains a significant hurdle.  

These concerns surfaced in the Department of Defense’s REACH-Spouse pilot program, as reported by the Office of People Analytics.  While the desire for help was clear, many spouses reported persistent disconnects in both accessing and trusting available services.  

What’s Helping: Promising Interventions  
There is hope. A 2024 study published in Military Medicine found that resilience-building interventions, including those grounded in spiritual coping, can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety among military spouses.  

Community-driven solutions are also gaining momentum. The National Military Family Association (NMFA) and the Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN) offer support through scholarships, mentorship programs, retreats, and community-building initiatives.

Standing Tall Through Support  
Military spouses are the backbone of our armed forces’ families. Their contributions are vital and too often overlooked. Thankfully, this narrative is beginning to shift. With increased awareness, more open dialogue, and a greater commitment to providing accessible and trusted support, we have an opportunity to better honor and serve the entire military family, not just those in uniform.

‍