How to Find a Navy Wife Support Group
Your husband is away in a distant land and you have a leaky water heater, screaming kids and a full-time job. You could use some help or at least a good listener. Find the support you need in a Navy wife support group.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Visit the Fleet and Family Support Center at your base. Their 24-hour job is to provide support to you and your family. They should have information about local support groups, family events or any other help you might need.
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2
Build on your own personal support network. Friends, family, neighbors and co-workers might not all completely understand what you're going through, but they can be there for you when you need them. Let them know what's happening in your life and let them help you.
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3
Involve yourself with your husband's unit support system. Every unit has an Ombudsman who is in charge of making sure the unit's families are taken care of. They plan events, lend a hand when you need it and disseminate important information when loved ones are at sea. Get to know them and through unit events, you will also get to know others.
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4
Check your local newspaper. Many local Navy support groups list their events or meetings in the calendar of events section. Use the listed information to seek out the support group.
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Search online. Loads of support groups and forums can be found online. From base-specific forums to groups who include spouses from all the branches of the military, if you look around, there's a support group that can fit your needs.
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Ask the locals. Many people who live in and around military towns know about local support groups. Ask your neighbors, clergy members or someone you've met at your gym. They may have the information you're looking for.
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Help others. Volunteer with local organizations that help other Navy families. You'll find yourself working with others who are either sympathetic to your cause or are in a similar situation to you.
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Tips & Warnings
Take a chance. Don't by shy when you find a Navy wife support group. Talk with and meet other people. Get to know them and interact at the events.
Stay positive and surround yourself with positive people. Negative people will drag you down and hurt rather than help you.
If your husband is in a Special Operations unit, you may not be able to speak openly about what he does or where he is. If that's the case, do your best to involve yourself in your husband's unit support system. You can talk with them and they will understand what you're going through.
If you or someone in your family needs serious emotional help, don't expect your support group to be able to cure the problem. Seek professional help right away.
Stay away from stereotypes and concerns about rank when it comes to interacting with other Navy wives. You're there to support, not tear one another down.
