I am excited to be a featured guest post today at The Mama Nurse in her Women Who Inspire feature. I am talking about what it’s really like to be a Military Spouse. A quick excerpt of the post is below (because I just had to share my infographic with you) but you can read the full post at The Mama Nurse.
It is my opinion that military spouses go through a cycle of emotions similar to the process of grief. In a way, we are grieving for the absence of our partner during this time, as well as the lamenting the extra burden that we accept as responsibilities shift. In my mind, the military spouse cycle of emotions looks something like this.
That is a typical military spouse cycle of emotions. It does cycle, and there may be infinite loops between some of these steps. The important thing is to recognize when we are struggling and to ask for help. If we remember to look around, we see our friends who want to help us, even if they do not fully understand and appreciate the life. Despite the anxiety, the self-doubt, and the added stress, we are strong and resilient. We carry the membership to this special club proudly and support our service member completely.
Do you have a military spouse in your life? What ways do you show your support and encouragement?
Read the full post, including the explanations of each part in the military spouse cycle of emotions, at The Mama Nurse.
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Kristen says
When my husband works out of town but luckily he is able to come home on weekends. I’m so sorry that you have to go through this, I couldn’t imagine the months of not seeing him and the worry that goes along with it. You’re a strong woman. Tell your husband I said thank him for his service. <3
Julie says
Thanks Kristen :)
Elle Spann says
one of my besties is an airforce wife, so while I don’t personally experience it, I do have some insight.
elle
Southern Elle Style
Michelle says
I just finished reading your post. You are right, many of us don’t understand or know out of ignorance what it must be like for the families left behind when our soldiers are deployed. You gave me a whole new insight into your life and I thank you and your husband for what you sacrifice to keep our country safe.
Julie says
Thanks Michelle! I think I don’t write about this often enough, but it is good to share since it isn’t something everyone experiences.
Shannon says
I don’ t have any close relations with anyone in the military but I feel for the spouses left at home! I cannot imagine how they feel with the anxiety of what their spouse is facing and fear for their lives. We are so blessed to be in a free country and I hope we will have a free world full of peace soon! Thank you for sharing!
Kat Curling says
I have a few close friends who are military spouses. You are all a very special breed of woman! I’m amazed at the strength it takes. This was a good infographic to better understand the cycles.
Julie says
Thanks Kat! Haha yea it probably takes a special breed indeed.
Vanessa says
I love this. Great! I’m about to go through my first deployment so this explained my emotions perfectly!
Julie says
Oh your first deployment! I remember that yellow ribbon event and all the information thrown at you at once. The most important thing I remember is the advice to have a support system and be super organized with what you have to keep up with on your own.
Healing Mama says
I love your infographic. I can relate to this. When my husband has to leave I go through a depressed period and it’s really hard and I can’t sleep. Then after awhile I get the hang of it and things get a little easier. Great post Julie!
Julie says
Thanks Nikki! These emotions, they really can manifest physically with the lack of sleep and not being able to feel like you can do anything but just sit there. We do need to recognize it and know we will soon move to a more positive stage in the cycle.