Relationship Support for Your Service Member

As a friend or family member of a service member who’s having relationship problems or is trying to pick up the pieces after a breakup, be sure to let them know that help is available through Military OneSource.

Conflict is inevitable in all relationships, and military couples in particular have unique pressures that most civilians don’t have to deal with. In fact, relationship issues are the top reason service members and their families seek non-medical counseling support through Military OneSource.

Military OneSource can help couples strengthen their partnership by enhancing communication skills, addressing challenges early, learning how to resolve their differences and developing healthy relationship habits.

The importance of addressing relationship stress

Not everybody is willing to seek help, however. As a friend or family member, you can let your service member know that it’s not only OK to reach out for support, it’s a sign of strength. Share a time when you were in a similar situation.

This will help your loved one understand that problems like theirs are not uncommon. Talk about the ways you and your partner repaired your relationship. Or if your efforts weren’t successful, mention how tapping into available resources might have helped.

Help for relationship stress

Your service member and their partner can seek help at any stage of their relationship, whether they are just starting out or have been together for many years. Resources for service members include:

• Non-medical counseling. Non-medical counselors are experienced professionals who understand the unique issues service members and their partners face. They will meet with couples or individuals face-to-face, or by phone, online chat or video. Sessions are free and confidential.
• Building Healthy Relationships specialty consultations. This free and confidential specialty consultation focuses on the area of a relationship that needs attention. Common issues military couples may seek assistance for include communication refreshers, reconnecting after deployment and staying connected while away. The sessions include coaching, practical tools, resources and problem-solving techniques.
• Love Every Day. This interactive tool helps couples practice their communication skills in only a few minutes each day.
• OurRelationship helps couples work through relationship challenges through flexible evidence-based online activities, with or without a coach.
• Relationship Checkup allows military couples to assess and strengthen their relationship. Couples can explore their communication patterns, identify areas of improvement and enhance their bond.
• Marriage enrichment programs for military couples. Each military service branch offers programs designed to enrich marriage by helping couples develop their communication skills and rekindle their romance. These programs are either low-cost or free.

If your service member or their partner feels unsafe in a relationship, they can reach out to the Family Advocacy Program or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. For treatment and health care options related to military sexual trauma, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information.

Your service member can learn more by contacting Military OneSource at 800-342-9647. International calling options are available for those outside the continental United States.