We all know that military life can be draining, but what is even more draining is not having a support system. If you have ever dealt with a lack of a support system, you know how isolating it can feel. Whether you're brand new or are a seasoned spouse, a lack of a support system can happen to anyone. Let's shed some light on FIVE ways to build a strong support system.

FINDING A COMMUNITY AT YOUR DUTY STATION
When you're brand new to a duty station, it can feel intimidating to find new friends. Especially when it feels like everyone there is already attached at the hip. However, it is so important to break out of your comfort zone and find a group of people you can connect with. Finding your tribe will help you grow and feel supported while you take on the next few years. 

Another thing to do when moving to a new unit is to join a Spouses club (if available in your area). A lot of units will offer a branch-wide spouses club, which can be a great way to meet new people and join in on events! These social gatherings are a great way to socialize, connect, and learn more about your community. 

FINDING A SUPPORT GROUP OUTSIDE OF YOUR BRANCH
While not everyone will do this, it can also be helpful to find a community of friends outside of the branch you are affiliated with. For some, you may live on another branch's base or near one. This is a great way to meet other spouses who you may not normally associate with. Regardless of the branch, most military spouses understand the basics of being a MILSO and want to make friends and support other spouses. 

FINDING A NON-MILITARY SPOUSE COMMUNITY FOR SUPPORT 
While having support from other military spouses is important, it can be equally important to find a community outside of that. For people with jobs, hobbies, or those who attend church, this can be a great way to find friends to connect with. While they may not know all the 'ins and outs' of military life, they can still offer support while you are at your duty station. This can also be a great way for new military spouses to get comfortable with the transition from being a normal civilian. 

KEEPING FAMILY AND OLD FRIENDS CLOSE WHILE YOU'RE APART
Something that people can struggle with as a military spouse is finding time to connect with family and friends that you had before you became a MILSO. Texting or calling periodically can help, but sometimes life does get busy. If keeping these relationships close is important and you get too busy, just know it's okay. Try taking time to communicate with them 1x a week or maybe just check in once a month (depending on the relationship of course). Keeping them in the loop of what's new can help you feel a sense of normalcy as you have someone familiar to talk to.

LEANING ON YOUR SPOUSE FOR SUPPORT
While having friends and family is extremely important, it is also important to rely on our spouses at the end of the day. Taking time to connect daily can make your time at a new unit go by quicker and smoother. Making sure you're both in the loop about the community, command, and what's going on in your area can help alleviate a lot of stress. At the end of the day, your spouses should be a solid support person to lean on.

So, whether you are brand new or have been a MILSO for 10 years, the community is important. Without finding support during these big life moments, your time at a unit can feel miserable (trust me, I've been there). So make the most out of it, break out of your comfort zone, and meet some amazing people.