Struggling in Solitude: Investigation Reveals the State of Military Spouses' Well-being During Sleepless Nights
In a groundbreaking report released on June 27, 2025, researchers from The University of Texas at Austin's Institute for Military and Veteran Family Wellness (IMVFW) and InDependent have outlined a series of policy recommendations aimed at addressing the challenges faced by military and veteran spouses. The Military and Veteran Spouse Wellness Survey, conducted between September 2024 and January 2025, received 1,150 complete responses.
The survey highlighted several issues, including depression, anxiety, and social isolation, among military and veteran spouses. To address these concerns, the authors have proposed a multi-faceted approach that encompasses enhanced mental health support, social integration and community building, career and financial support, education and awareness, and policy reform.
**Enhanced Mental Health Support**
The recommendations suggest expanding access to mental health services through TRICARE and VA programs, ensuring that spouses have access to counseling and therapy without barriers such as long wait times or lack of providers. Additionally, community-based initiatives that offer peer support groups and workshops focused on mental health management for military and veteran spouses are encouraged.
**Social Integration and Community Building**
To foster social connections, the researchers propose the development and funding of programs that facilitate social interactions among military and veteran spouses, such as community events and online forums. Welcome centers at military bases and in communities with high veteran populations, offering a place for spouses to connect and share experiences, are also suggested.
**Career and Financial Support**
The policy recommendations include encouraging employers to offer portable career opportunities that accommodate frequent relocations, ensuring spouses can maintain consistent employment. Financial literacy programs and job training specifically tailored to the needs of military and veteran spouses are also proposed, to help them manage financial stress and build stable careers.
**Education and Awareness**
Public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma around mental health issues and social isolation, promoting open discussion within military and veteran communities, are part of the proposed measures. Educational workshops for service members and their spouses on recognising signs of depression, anxiety, and social isolation, and how to seek help, are also recommended.
**Policy Reform**
The authors advocate for policy reforms that address the systemic challenges faced by military and veteran families. This includes providing legislative support for programs that help mitigate the effects of frequent moves and career disruptions. Coordinated care between VA and DoD services is also emphasised to provide comprehensive support for spouses, including seamless transitions between military and civilian life.
The authors hope to conduct future surveys every two years, if not annually, to monitor the progress and impact of these recommendations. They stress that "Insights alone do not shift culture. Intentional and informed action does."
The survey findings revealed that over half of respondents experienced some level of anxiety or depression, about 50 percent felt finding community or friends was their biggest challenge, and only 32 percent of respondents felt they could call on a neighbor for help if needed. However, the study also found many spouses demonstrated resilience and positive behaviours, such as moderate-to-high engagement in intellectual and spiritual wellness practices.
The study encourages community leaders and military officials to address gaps in support, particularly in areas such as mental health, employment, and social connection. The survey found many spouses reported moderate overall wellness satisfaction, with an average rating of 6.58 out of 10. The researchers suspect social isolation contributes to many of the reported problems.
Among the key findings, respondents reported moderate overall wellness satisfaction, with an average rating of 6.58 out of 10. Most respondents reported moderate to strong spiritual wellness. Most respondents' partners served in the Army or Air Force. About 76 percent of respondents had children, and the vast majority of respondents were women, White, and living within the United States.
Recent research shows many military spouses are dissatisfied with the process and tempo of permanent change of station moves. A Defense Department report found record rates of Active-duty military spouses wanting to leave the military community. The survey, however, did not ask for respondents' number of PCS moves, so it couldn't track whether spouses with more moves under their belts had higher loneliness scores.
In conclusion, the Military and Veteran Spouse Wellness Survey provides a comprehensive roadmap for addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by military and veteran spouses. The authors stress the importance of intentional and informed action to shift the culture and provide the support needed for these families.
- The space force, as a part of the military, could consider incorporating workplace-wellness programs focused on mental health, family health, and fitness-and-exercise to support the well-being of military spouses.
- In the realm of defense and national security, it is crucial to include mental health support, health-and-wellness initiatives, and family-health awareness as key components in the policies and programs for military and veteran families.
- The promotion of social integration and community building among military spouses can be facilitated through the establishment of mentorship programs, family support groups, and online forums, while also addressing policy reforms that support these initiatives.
- To combat common challenges faced by military and veteran spouses, such as social isolation, depression, and anxiety, it is essential to focus on aspects like parenting education, career development, and financial planning, all of which contribute to their overall well-being.
- Researchers advocate for ongoing efforts to monitor the progress and impact of their recommendations, employing subsequent surveys every two years or even annually, to continuously assess and improve the quality of life for military and veteran families.
- The survey findings have emphasized the need for military officials, community leaders, and policymakers to work together to fill the gaps in support that exist for military and veteran spouses, particularly in areas like mental health, employment, and social connection, with the ultimate goal of improving their overall well-being and satisfaction.
