For military families, the connection between financial wellness and mental health is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of overall well-being. While almost 50% of the general population faces financial stress, military families encounter unique challenges that can exacerbate both financial and mental health issues. Understanding this connection is crucial for providing effective support to those who serve our country.
At GoVA, we know you can’t improve financial wellness without improving the mental health factors that impact spending habits. So we interviewed Anna Larson, a military spouse and Ambassador for SpouseLinks, to explore the mental and financial issues that impact the health of military families.
The Financial Struggles of Military Life
Despite the common perception that “military families get so much for free,” the reality for many service members and their families is far more complex. Food insecurity, housing issues, and affordable childcare are major concerns for military families. Frequent Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves, deployments, and the difficulties spouses face in maintaining stable employment all contribute to financial instability. Living overseas or paying out of pocket for housing in a high cost-of-living area can challenge the stability of a military family’s budget.
Larson explains, “There’s a stereotype that ‘the military gives you so much.’ People who say this don’t understand the financial strains of PCS moves, and how much families pay out of pocket without any choice.” These unexpected costs, combined with the challenges of budgeting on a military salary, can lead to significant financial stress.
Financial stress impacts every aspect of family life, often leading to related issues like anxiety, depression, and relationship strain. “Those crises all work together and contribute to mental health issues throughout the family,” Larson notes. The constant worry about making ends meet can lead to sleepless nights, decreased productivity, and a sense of hopelessness that affects not just the service member but the entire family unit.
PTSD and Financial Implications
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) presents another layer of complexity in the relationship between mental health and financial wellness. While often associated primarily with combat experiences, PTSD can affect any family member and has far-reaching implications for financial stability.
Larson points out, “With PTSD it can get scary because it doesn’t go away. Like any mental health issue, it will be exacerbated in certain situations.” The stigma surrounding mental health treatment in the military can prevent service members from seeking help, fearing the loss of their job or security clearance. This reluctance to address mental health concerns can lead to secondary effects that impact the family’s financial situation, such as difficulty maintaining employment or making sound financial decisions.
Breaking the Silence on Military Financial Struggles
One of the most significant barriers to addressing financial wellness in military families is the reluctance to discuss these issues openly. “People are afraid to talk about how they are struggling. It’s hard to explain why you are in debt when you ‘get so many freebies,'” Larson explains.
This silence can lead to isolation and prevent families from accessing available resources and support. She continues, “Other results like substance abuse, relationship issues, and parent-child connections are often left unchecked, due to stigma or because of the lack of resources that accept Tricare insurance.”
Steps Toward Financial and Mental Wellness for Military Families
Addressing the intertwined issues of financial stress and mental health requires a multi-faceted approach:
- Be kind to yourself: Recognize that you’re not alone in facing these challenges.
- Educate yourself on benefits: Understand your housing benefits, Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), and other entitlements to plan effectively.
- Start budgeting: Categorize your spending and identify areas for potential cutbacks without eliminating all enjoyment.
- Seek professional help: Military-friendly organizations offer financial guidance tailored to military families.
- Communicate openly: Schedule regular financial check-ins with your spouse to stay on the same page.
- Set achievable goals: Start with small, manageable financial objectives to build confidence and momentum.
The Edge: A Free Financial Resource for Military Families
For military families seeking support in navigating these complex issues, The Edge offers a valuable, no-cost resource. This platform goes beyond traditional financial education, recognizing the crucial link between mental wellness and financial decision-making. By addressing the emotional aspects of money management alongside practical financial advice, The Edge provides a holistic approach to improving both financial and mental well-being for military community members.
Military members, Veterans, and military spouses get unlimited to the financial resources on The Edge– for free! Start by verifying your military status here.
Financial Education and Mental Wellness for the Military
By addressing financial wellness, we can also positively impact mental health, creating a virtuous cycle of improvement. As families gain control over their finances, they often experience reduced anxiety and improved relationship dynamics. This, in turn, can lead to better financial decision-making and a more stable home environment.
Larson emphasizes, “You are not alone, there are so many other families experiencing the same thing, and there are organizations who want to help you.” By breaking the silence around financial struggles and mental health challenges, military families can access the support they need and deserve.
The path to financial and mental wellness may not be easy, but with the right resources, support, and understanding, military families can navigate these challenges and build a more secure and fulfilling life. Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a step toward strength.
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About Anna Larson and SpouseLinks
Anna Larson serves as an Ambassador for SpouseLinks, an initiative of the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA). With three years of experience in this role, Anna began her journey with SpouseLinks as her family was transitioning out of active military service. Her unique perspective as both a military spouse and a professional in the field allows her to bridge the gap between military families and the resources they need.
SpouseLinks, a branch of AAFMAA, is dedicated to serving the military spouse community. It functions as a comprehensive resource platform, providing information and support to help military families navigate the unique challenges they face. As Anna describes it, “It’s mostly a resource platform hub of information, that gives any military family that next little step.” Backed by AAFMAA’s long-standing commitment to supporting military families, SpouseLinks offers a range of services from financial support to practical resources, all tailored to the specific needs of the military community.
