Every military wife I have ever encountered has told me, "It is not easy to be a military wife, but I am happy to be one." Military wives, like other wives, are different and can be identified at a glance as they are surviving odds by staying away from their husbands, sending them off for deployments, and still putting a smile on their faces.
Many scientists have studied military troops' deployment, contribution, and problems. However, we often need to look at the backbone of such men who play dynamic dyads in their personal and professional life. Military wives manage everything their careers, children, and aging parents, and also become moral support to their husbands. While playing these multiple roles, facing various issues and Stress is inevitable.
As an ordinary citizen, I cannot directly discern their difficulties. However, interacting with military wives and reading a few pieces of literature has painted a picture of them and their lives. So, my goal here is not only to explain the difficulties but to add a drop of support for dealing with Stress and improving their psychological well-being.
Before discussing how to improve psychological well-being, we must be clear about what it is. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-being define psychological well-being as " The combination of feeling good and functioning effectively." Psychological well-being is not only about managing Stress but being happy, eliciting personal growth, environmental mastery, positive relationships, and life satisfaction.
So, why do military wives' psychological well-being is essential?
Psychological well-being is not something ambiguous and vague but being satisfied in life. The sense of satisfaction eventually leads to a robust social relationship and interaction, leading to powerful support amid happiness and crises. More support helps military wives contribute for different purposes, whether in family or community.
Moreover, psychological well-being simultaneously impacts your physical health. Being optimistic in life prevents heart attacks and strokes. Also, sleeping problems, drugs, and alcohol abuse are adequately maintained when one is psychologically well.
Additionally, psychological well-being in military wives ignites purpose and goals in life that aid them in earning more and building their identity. Besides being proud of their husband's success and position, they, too, will have an identity that no one can overshadow.
How can we improve the psychological well-being of military wives?
Researchers have studied different components to improve psychological well-being. The most familiar and verified theory is Carol Ryff's Model of Psychological Well-being; it includes six attributes for a more promising life.
Self-Acceptance: Self-Acceptance is having a positive attitude toward yourself. It is an attribution where you accept your positive side, weakness, and flaws. To nurture self-acceptance, you can celebrate your strengths and understand that you can and will make mistakes like everyone else, and it's completely ok.
Moreover, stop comparing yourself with others and surround yourself with people who accept you. Practice self-affirmations, " I am happy, I am enough, I am doing well." It works as a mantra for internal healing. Lastly, learn to forgive yourself and develop self-compassion.
Environmental Mastery: It's choosing and managing your surroundings to your personal and family needs. And instead of being controlled by external activities, one uses the surroundings as opportunities. So, for high environmental mastery, develop empathy and understand the relation between giving and taking. Excessive generosity can demean your value and toll your energy, while always taking it can destroy your relationship, so balancing both are equally necessary.
Personal Growth: Personal growth is a desire to develop and grow with challenges, experience, and constant learning. Being a military wife is sometimes demeaning to focus on self, but one must understand that when you succeed, your entire surroundings blooms with you. So, firstly know yourself what makes you happy. What makes you fulfilled? So based on that, set small goals and achieve them simultaneously. Besides, volunteer your time, and practice mindfulness to develop patience and resilience. Also, read and meet new people who have similar interests as you.
Purpose in life: Your goal doesn't have to change the entire world but a slight difference you want to make. It can be in your personal life, your family, or the lives of military families who are having a difficult time—doing things that give you direction and make life meaningful.
Positive relationship with others: The biggest challenge is relationship is a difference; everyone is different and wants to be understood according to their point of view. So being an empathetic listener can take you a long way. Instead of assuming clarification and communication can help you manage your relationship. These days you always don't need to be physically present. A short text and call can make a difference. And most importantly, learn to trust; "Trust and respect are more important than love." One can do this by honoring the commitments.
According to Psychology Today, "Autonomy can be defined as the ability to make choices according to one's own free will." It is a sense of freedom to make decisions independently. For military wives, independence is one of the elementary skills as they have to or are expected to handle all the primitive responsibilities. Autonomy is simultaneously related to happiness. So, standing up for yourself can help better psychological well-being.
Above mention points can substantially help military wives to improve their psychological well-being. However, sometimes these coping techniques might not be applicable. In such a scenario, don't be afraid to seek help. Professional help can mend individuals and their families along with other social relationships. Therefore asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but competence is making one's life better.
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