It's often said how uniquely difficult the life of a Navy SEAL can be. Navy SEALs need to display unbelievable amounts of mental fortitude, bravery, and physical strength. It's not a life that's for the faint-hearted.
But something that's talked about less often is the life of a Navy SEAL wife. Navy SEAL wives may never see battle, but that doesn't mean they don't experience their own unique challenges and difficulties. This is best evidenced in the high divorce rates attributed to Navy SEAL marriages.
If you'd like to learn more about some of the difficulties SEAL team wives face and how you can overcome them, this guide can help. Read on for everything you need to know.
The Life of a Navy SEAL Wife
The Navy SEALs is an elite group that serves as the primary special operations force for the US Navy. As such, they maintain intensive training schedules and are always on call. What does this mean for Navy SEAL families?
It means that your kids might not always be able to see their dad when they want to. Navy SEAL wives need to be able to support their kids during times such as these.
But your husband will need support too. Many Navy SEALs suffer from depression, mental stress and anxiety and require help from both their team and their families.
If your husband gets called away at the last minute there's nothing you can do about it. But this is just the tip of the iceberg.
You also need to be prepared to not have any idea where your husband is stationed and when they might return. This kind of uncertainty and instability can be difficult to deal with. The life of a Navy SEAL life isn't for everyone.
Then there's dealing with loss. Being married to a Navy SEAL means dealing with the possibility that your husband might not return from a deployment. This alone is a scary enough prospect to live with for 9 months out of the year.
Then there are all the other types of loss you'll likely be dealing with. It's likely you and your husband will end up having to attend your share of military funerals as you say goodbye to loved ones and close friends.
The Silver Lining
That's not to say there aren't benefits of being married to a Navy SEAL. You'll doubtless be filled with pride for the important work your husband does. Your kids will be able to look up to their father unequivocally.
Although his physical presence in your life may be inconsistent at times, as a provider he'll be exceedingly stable. The life of a Navy SEAL wife is filled with good and bad.
How to Survive as a Navy SEAL Wife
You'll need mental toughness for your Navy SEAL marriage to survive. Some have compared the level of strength necessary as being similar to the levels of fortitude required of their husbands when completing Hell Week and similarly straining situations.
You'll also need to have a solid foundation. If you don't start out with mutual love and respect your marriage isn't likely to last long.
Most of all, one of the best tools for survival is community. If you're able to tap into a support network then you should. Groups of SEAL wives encouraging each other and constant faith will help your marriage stand the test of time. As well as this, dedicated organizations such as the Navy SEAL foundation can be a source of great support and understanding.
Long May Your Marriage Last
To say the life of a Navy SEAL wife is without any issues would be a lie. But keeping your marriage intact is possible.
If you're looking for support, resources, and information, we've got plenty. Check out the rest of our site for more information now.
