Getting Mental Health Help When You Need It

Being a foreign military spouse requires a level of strength that most people will never understand. You are managing life in a foreign language, adapting to American culture, learning the military lifestyle, and doing it all without the physical support of your family back home.

"Being strong" does not mean you have to smile all the time. The immense stress of this lifestyle can lead to deep anxiety, depression, and feelings of severe isolation.

Breaking the Stigma In many cultures around the world, mental health is a taboo subject. People do not talk about it, and going to therapy might be seen as bringing shame to the family. But in the United States, and especially within the military community, getting help for your mental health is viewed as medical care—just like going to a doctor for a broken arm. Seeking help is brave, and it is normal.

Confidential, Non-Medical Counseling If you are struggling to sleep, feeling constantly worried, or crying more days than not, free help is available. The military provides access to counselors through a program called the Military and Family Life Counseling (MFLC) program, or through Military OneSource.

These counselors can help you deal with the stress of moving, homesickness, or marriage communication issues. The best part? It is completely confidential. They do not keep medical records, they do not tell your spouse’s commander, and going to therapy will not ruin your spouse’s military career. That is a myth!

Medical Counseling and Emergency Help If you need long-term therapy or medication, your military health insurance (Tricare) covers mental health care. You can often find a therapist in your local civilian town and Tricare will pay for the visits.

If the darkness ever gets too heavy, and you feel like you cannot go on, or you are having thoughts of hurting yourself, you must ask for immediate help. In the U.S., you can dial 988 on any phone. This is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Someone is there 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, just to listen and keep you safe. You do not have to carry this heavy weight alone.

Helpful Resources:

• Military OneSource Confidential Counseling: Free, short-term counseling for military spouses. You can do it via video call, phone, or in person. Call 800-342-9647.

  • Link: militaryonesource.mil/confidential-counseling

• Military Crisis Line: Dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255 for free, confidential, 24/7 crisis support.

  • Link: veteranscrisisline.net

• Tricare Mental Health: Information on how to use your military insurance to find a long-term therapist or psychiatrist.

  • Link: tricare.mil/mentalhealth