Spouse details home front struggle

Dear Amy: I am entering my 14th year as a military spouse. Four years ago, I created a “home base” in my hometown area because I could no longer handle military life. This happened after several intense episodes of depression and anxiety, exacerbated by the death of one of my best military spouse friends. She was a fine woman with a secret substance abuse habit that killed her.

I love my husband, but he does not care to leave the military due to job security.

I am worn thin coaching their sports teams and homeschooling them and being lonely. He is lonely, too. I want to move on, but feel like I’ve failed.

I feel paralyzed. thoughts? — Stuck

Dear Stuck: Because of your position as a military spouse, I assume you’ve been raising your children without much help from your husband for most — if not all — of their lives.

Yes. It is exhausting, depleting and lonely. This is the reality of being a single parent. When you were surrounded by other military families, you likely all banded together

And now you need to find ways to take care of yourself. Yes, you must talk about it. Owning your challenges and admitting to yourself — and others — how hard this is on you will open you up. There are many online forums and resources dedicated to military spouses, and you should look locally for in-person professional counseling.

Choose your audience. . Other single parents will understand, but the way your life is set up, it is challenging for you to meet other adults in the hopes of finding friendship.

You don’t say why you are homeschooling, but you should consider a different form. When you feel better, you’ll be able to make rational choices regarding your issues, and not feel like a failure. Any